Washington, D.C., September 10, 2025
News Summary
As the upcoming Mega Millions drawing approaches, players are eager to purchase tickets for the chance to win the impressive $358 million jackpot. The last winning ticket was sold in Virginia for $348 million. With odds of approximately 290 million to 1, the excitement surrounding this lottery game continues to grow, drawing in hopeful players from across the nation.
Washington, D.C.—The Mega Millions jackpot for the upcoming drawing on September 9, 2025, has climbed to an estimated $358 million. This amount represents the total prize available for players who match the winning numbers, with a cash option of approximately $164.5 million.
Recent Jackpot History and Current Standings
The last time a player won the Mega Millions jackpot was on June 27, when a ticket purchased in Virginia claimed a prize of $348 million. Since then, the jackpot has steadily increased, reaching its current level ahead of the upcoming drawing scheduled for September 9, 2025.
Details of the September 9 Drawing
The winning numbers for the September 9 drawing are 6, 43, 52, 64, 65, with Megaball 22. Mega Millions drawings occur twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 11 p.m. Eastern Time. The current jackpot announcement comes as many players prepare to try their luck in hopes of securing the multimillion-dollar prize.
Ticket Cost and Purchase Options
The cost of a standard Mega Millions ticket is $5. This price includes a multiplier feature called Megaplier, which can increase non-jackpot winnings up to 10 times. When purchasing a ticket, players choose five numbers from 1 to 70 for white balls and one number from 1 to 24 for the Mega Ball. Alternatively, players can opt for a Quick Pick, where the numbers are randomly generated by the lottery machine.
Participation and Eligibility
There are no residency or citizenship restrictions for playing Mega Millions. Players can buy tickets regardless of where they live within the 45 participating states, the District of Columbia, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tickets are commonly available at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Additionally, in some states, online purchase options exist through approved apps such as Jackpocket.
Ticket Purchase Deadlines and Restrictions
The cutoff time for purchasing tickets varies across states, generally ranging from a few minutes to several hours before the scheduled drawing time. It is important for players to check their local store or online platform for exact deadlines to ensure participation in each draw.
Odds, Prizes, and Winner Options
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are approximately 290,472,336 to 1. Winners have the choice between receiving their prize as an annuity, paid out over several years, or a lump-sum cash payment. The cash option for the current jackpot stands at roughly $164.5 million.
Prizes for matching fewer numbers vary widely, with a minimum payout of around $10 for matching just the Megaball, and at least $2 million for matching all five white balls in most states, excluding California.
States and Rules
In addition to the 45 participating states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands also offer Mega Millions. Several states, including Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah, do not participate. Certain states, such as New Jersey, permit winners to remain anonymous to protect their privacy.
Changes to the game rules, including ticket price adjustments and number selection formats, were implemented on April 8, to streamline participation and enhance game features.
Additional Lottery Updates
For context, the most recent Powerball drawing on September 8 produced winning numbers 26, 28, 41, 53, 64, with Powerball 9. The Powerball includes a PowerPlay multiplier feature, which can increase winnings except for the jackpot. The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for September 10, 2025, with an estimated jackpot of $33 million and a cash option of approximately $15.2 million.
Summary
As the September 9 Mega Millions drawing approaches, players across eligible states are encouraged to purchase tickets before deadlines. With the jackpot reaching an impressive $358 million, the opportunity to secure a substantial prize continues to draw many hopefuls. Whether players prefer to take the cash payout or opt for the annuity, the odds remain steep, but the chance of winning keeps the game highly popular nationwide.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Bern Resident Wins $100,000 Lottery Prize
Record Powerball Jackpot Drawn, South Carolina Lottery Results Released
Mega Millions Ticket Worth $20,000 Sold in Hilton Head
Orangeburg Celebrates Mega Millions Jackpot at $825 Million
Additional Resources
- North Jersey: Mega Millions Winning Numbers
- NC Lottery: Mega Millions Jackpot Grows
- Indy Star: Powerball Drawing Results
- NBC DFW: Texas Powerball Winner After Taxes
- Wikipedia: Lottery
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
