Mega Millions Jackpot Hits $381 Million: How to Play and Watch the Drawing

The Mega Millions jackpot has climbed to $381 million for the Friday, September 12, 2025, drawing. The lump-sum cash option stands at $175 million. The drawing takes place at 11 p.m. ET, with millions waiting to see if anyone will claim the prize.

The game continues to draw attention with massive payouts. According to the Associated Press, Mega Millions is one of the most popular lottery games in the United States. While this jackpot is not record-breaking, it is still life-changing money for a winner.

How to Play Mega Millions and Understand the Payouts

Mega Millions tickets cost $5 per play, which now includes a built-in multiplier. Players must select six numbers in total. Five numbers come from white balls ranging from 1 to 70. The sixth number is the gold Mega Ball, which ranges from 1 to 24.

To win the jackpot, all six numbers must match. If there are multiple winners, the prize is split equally. Non-jackpot prizes range from $10 to $1 million. With the multiplier option, non-jackpot winnings can be increased by 2, 3, 4, 5, or even 10 times.

Tickets can be purchased at gas stations, grocery stores, convenience stores, and even some airport terminals. Players can also use Quick Pick or Easy Pick, where the computer randomly selects numbers.

In Ohio, the ticket sales cutoff is 10:45 p.m. ET on drawing days. Rules and cutoff times may vary by state, so players should check local guidelines.

When and Where to Watch the Mega Millions Drawing

The drawing is held every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET. Viewers can watch live on WGN, the official Mega Millions website, or the Mega Millions YouTube channel.

The broadcast shows the entire process in real time, giving players full transparency. Clips are also available online after the drawing for those who miss the live event.

On September 9, no ticket matched all six numbers. The winning numbers that night were 06, 43, 52, 64, 65, with Mega Ball 22. A ticket in California did match five numbers, winning a prize estimated between $2 million and $10 million depending on the multiplier.

Mega Millions remains a rival to Powerball. Experts note that Mega Millions offers slightly better odds of winning any prize, around 1 in 23, compared to Powerball’s 1 in 24.9.

The Mega Millions jackpot is once again capturing national attention. The $381 million prize has created excitement across the country. Players have until ticket cutoff times to join the drawing tonight.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What time is the Mega Millions drawing tonight?

The drawing takes place at 11 p.m. ET on Friday, September 12, 2025. Drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday night.

Q2: How much does a Mega Millions ticket cost?

A ticket costs $5 per play. This price includes the built-in multiplier feature for non-jackpot prizes.

Q3: What are the odds of winning Mega Millions?

The odds of winning any prize are about 1 in 23. The odds of winning the jackpot are much longer, but still possible.

Q4: Can you watch the drawing online?

Yes. The drawing streams live on the Mega Millions website, YouTube, and also airs on WGN cable channel.

Q5: What were the last winning numbers?

The September 9 numbers were 06, 43, 52, 64, 65, with the Mega Ball 22. No jackpot winner was reported.