Mega Millions and Powerball: Record Jackpots and Historic Wins

The Mega Millions lottery has become a household name in the United States. Along with Powerball, it has produced some of the biggest jackpots in history. As of September 2025, 13 lottery jackpots have crossed the $1 billion mark. The latest was the $1.7 billion Powerball drawing on Sept. 6, 2025.

These massive prizes show the growing popularity of the game. Ticket sales continue to push jackpots higher. Each drawing fuels more interest, creating record-breaking payouts.

Mega Millions Record Jackpots Across the Years

Mega Millions has delivered several billion-dollar prizes. One of the most famous was in October 2018, when a single ticket in South Carolina won $1.537 billion. That remains the largest Mega Millions jackpot to date. The winner chose to stay anonymous.

In August 2023, a Florida ticket won $1.58 billion. The prize went to Saltines Holdings LLC of Miami, according to state officials. Another milestone came in January 2023, when a Maine ticket hit $1.35 billion. The winner collected through LaKoma Island Investments LLC.

According to AP and Reuters, jackpots grow through repeated rollovers. Each time no ticket matches all six numbers, the prize climbs higher. The cycle often lasts months before someone wins.

Other big Mega Millions wins include $1.348 billion in 2023, $1.337 billion in 2022, and $1.269 billion in 2024. Each prize set new records in its time. These wins highlight how quickly jackpots can reach historic levels.

Ohio Wins and National Lottery Trends

Ohio has also claimed its share of major lottery victories. The state’s largest win came in December 2019, when Brian C. Mulhall claimed a $372 million Mega Millions prize. The ticket was bought at a Giant Eagle in Mentor.

The biggest Powerball win in Ohio happened in June 2010. An anonymous player collected $261.6 million through a blind trust. The winner chose the lump sum option, receiving $135 million before taxes.

Across the nation, the jackpots continue to grow. In just two years, from 2023 to 2025, there were seven billion-dollar drawings between Powerball and Mega Millions. Analysts note that higher ticket sales and bigger jackpots feed each other, driving excitement and revenue.

What These Jackpots Mean for Players

The billion-dollar jackpots show the scale of modern lotteries. Players pay just $2 per ticket. Yet the dream of becoming a billionaire keeps millions of people playing. Winners face life-changing choices. Some stay private, while others step into the public spotlight.

The record-breaking jackpots also show the role of chance. The odds of winning remain steep. Powerball odds are 1 in 292.2 million, while Mega Millions odds are 1 in 302.6 million. Despite this, every drawing attracts millions of hopeful players.

Mega Millions remains a symbol of big dreams and massive payouts. The billion-dollar jackpots prove its lasting appeal. Each new drawing holds the chance of another record.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the biggest Mega Millions jackpot ever?

The largest Mega Millions jackpot was $1.537 billion, won in South Carolina in October 2018. The winner chose to stay anonymous.

Q2: How many times has Mega Millions passed $1 billion?

As of 2025, Mega Millions jackpots have crossed $1 billion at least seven times. Each time came after weeks of rollovers.

Q3: What is Ohio’s biggest Mega Millions win?

Ohio’s largest Mega Millions prize was $372 million in December 2019. The winning ticket was bought in Mentor.

Q4: How do jackpots reach $1 billion?

Jackpots climb when no ticket matches all numbers. Each rollover adds sales to the prize pool, pushing it higher.

Q5: What are the odds of winning Mega Millions?

The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302.6 million. Smaller prizes have better odds.