Mega Millions numbers for Tuesday, Sept. 30: What to know before the $497M drawing

The Mega Millions numbers for Tuesday, Sept. 30 will be drawn at about 11 p.m. ET. The jackpot is estimated at $497 million with a $229.5 million cash option. This guide explains timing, payouts, and recent results in simple terms.

As of publication, the Tuesday winning combination is not yet available. The prior drawing on Friday, Sept. 26 produced 4-21-27-33-49 with Mega Ball 21. There was no jackpot winner, so the prize rolled to tonight’s figure.

Mega Millions numbers for Tuesday, Sept. 30 — key details

Drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday at about 11 p.m. ET. Results typically post shortly after the live draw. Players can verify numbers through official state lottery channels or televised and recorded drawings.

The advertised jackpot is $497 million. The cash option is estimated at $229.5 million before taxes. Federal withholding usually applies first, and state taxes vary by jurisdiction. The annuity pays over 30 years, while the cash option is a single lump sum that is lower than the headline amount.

Each play costs $2. You can add the optional Megaplier for $1 in most states to multiply non-jackpot prizes. There are nine prize tiers. The overall odds of winning any prize are about 1 in 24. The odds of winning the jackpot are about 1 in 302.6 million.

The Friday, Sept. 26 numbers were 4-21-27-33-49 with Mega Ball 21. No ticket matched all six numbers. That is why tonight’s jackpot is near a half-billion dollars. Big rollover cycles like this tend to increase sales throughout draw day.

Always use official outlets to confirm results. Double-check the date on your ticket and compare the five white balls and the gold Mega Ball. Many players also scan tickets at a retailer or use a state lottery app to avoid mistakes.

What tonight’s drawing means for players

Matching all five white balls and the Mega Ball wins the jackpot. Matching five white balls only wins $1 million. With Megaplier active, that $1 million can become $2 million, $3 million, $4 million, or $5 million depending on the draw multiplier, except in some jurisdictions that use pari-mutuel payouts.

You can win smaller prizes for combinations like three white balls, or two white balls plus the Mega Ball. The smallest prize is $2 for matching the Mega Ball only. A single white ball without the Mega Ball does not pay a prize. Read the prize table for your state because some details differ.

Large jackpots often lead to more group plays and office pools. Clear rules help. Write down who joined, how much each person paid, and how you will split any win. Keep the tickets safe and photograph the front and back for your records.

Outlook and context

If there is no jackpot winner tonight, the prize will roll into Friday’s draw. It could cross the $500 million threshold if sales stay strong. If there is a winner, remember that financial and tax planning start right away. Many winners contact an attorney, a tax professional, and a financial advisor before claiming.

Recent years have seen several billion-dollar Mega Millions jackpots. Those cycles draw national attention and bring new players into the game. Tonight’s pot is not at record level, but it remains one of the largest of 2025 and will keep interest high.

Bottom line: the Mega Millions numbers for Tuesday, Sept. 30 will post after 11 p.m. ET. The jackpot is $497 million with a $229.5 million cash option. Check official channels, play responsibly, and keep your ticket secure.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What time are the Mega Millions numbers drawn?

About 11 p.m. ET on Tuesdays and Fridays. Results post shortly after the draw.

Q2: What were the last winning numbers?

Friday, Sept. 26: 4-21-27-33-49 and Mega Ball 21. No jackpot winner was reported.

Q3: How much is a Mega Millions ticket?

$2 per play. The Megaplier option costs an extra $1 and boosts non-jackpot prizes.

Q4: What is the cash option vs. annuity?

The cash option is a lump sum paid once and is lower than the headline jackpot. The annuity pays the full advertised amount over 30 years, before taxes.

Q5: Do I win anything for two numbers?

Two white balls alone do not pay. You need the Mega Ball only for $2, or certain combos with the Mega Ball for larger prizes.