One lucky New Yorker woke up $40,000 richer after Tuesday night’s Mega Millions drawing. With no grand prize winner, the jackpot for the next drawing has soared to a staggering $198 million, keeping millions of hopefuls dreaming big across the state.

The New York State Lottery has confirmed that a third-place winning ticket matching four out of five white ball numbers plus the Mega Ball was sold in the Empire State. With the ticket’s built-in Megaplier of 4x, the prize jumped from $10,000 to $40,000, marking a significant win for the unidentified player.

What Are the Latest Mega Millions Winning Numbers?

The Mega Millions winning numbers for Tuesday, August 12, 2025, were:
1 – 8 – 31 – 56 – 67, and the Mega Ball was 23.

While no one took home the $176 million grand prize, New Yorkers still had plenty to celebrate. In addition to the $40,000 third-place win, the drawing produced:

10 fourth-place winners who matched four out of five numbers without the Mega Ball. Their prizes ranged from $1,000 to $2,500, depending on their ticket’s Megaplier.
27 fifth-place winners who matched three white ball numbers plus the Mega Ball. These ticket holders won between $400 and $1,000.

According to the New York State Lottery, all winning tickets were sold across various regions of the state, reflecting the widespread enthusiasm for one of the most popular lottery games in the nation.

Why This Week’s Mega Millions Drawing Matters

With the absence of a grand prize winner, the Mega Millions jackpot has now climbed to $198 million for the next drawing scheduled for Friday, August 15, 2025. As the jackpot grows, so does ticket sales, excitement, and the potential for more big winners in New York and beyond.

This growing jackpot also comes on the heels of record-breaking lottery excitement in the state. The Powerball jackpot, currently sitting at $526 million, could set a new record for the largest lottery win ever by a New York State resident if hit.

For players, this moment represents more than a potential payday—it’s a glimmer of hope, a reason to dream, and a reminder that fortune can strike unexpectedly.

How the Megaplier Boosts Winnings

One of the key takeaways from this draw is the impact of the Megaplier—a feature that multiplies non-jackpot winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, or even 5x depending on the draw. In this case, the 4x Megaplier turned a $10,000 third-place prize into $40,000, proving once again that small ticket add-ons can lead to big gains.

Expert Analysis on Lottery Trends in New York

Lottery analyst Sarah Greene, a contributor to National Lotto Insights, stated, “With back-to-back weeks of high-tier winners and increasing jackpots, we’re seeing elevated participation across New York. These numbers suggest that players are increasingly aware of how add-ons like the Megaplier enhance their odds of walking away with meaningful prizes.”

Experts also note that larger jackpots tend to attract first-time or occasional players, adding to the game’s excitement and overall prize pool. The upward trend of both Mega Millions and Powerball suggests that jackpot fever is hitting the state once again.

What’s Next for Mega Millions Players?

If you didn’t win this round, don’t worry. With the next drawing set for Friday night, there’s still time to purchase tickets and get in the game. Each drawing builds new possibilities, and with nearly $200 million on the line, Friday could be historic for New York lottery players.

For those hoping to boost their odds, be sure to:

Check your ticket’s Megaplier option
Verify your numbers immediately after the draw
Keep your ticket safe and claim winnings promptly

You Must Know:

What are the Mega Millions winning numbers for August 12, 2025?
The winning numbers were 1, 8, 31, 56, 67, with the Mega Ball number 23.

Was there a Mega Millions jackpot winner in New York?
No, there was no grand prize winner. However, a third-place winner from New York matched four numbers plus the Mega Ball and won $40,000 with the 4x Megaplier.

How does the Megaplier work in Mega Millions?
The Megaplier multiplies non-jackpot winnings by 2x to 5x depending on the drawn multiplier. It significantly boosts lower-tier prizes like third, fourth, and fifth-place winnings.

When is the next Mega Millions drawing?
The next drawing will take place on Friday, August 15, 2025, with an estimated jackpot of $198 million.

How many winners were there in New York in the latest draw?
There were 1 third-place winner, 10 fourth-place winners, and 27 fifth-place winners across New York State.

Is Powerball also offering a large jackpot this week?
Yes, the Powerball jackpot stands at $526 million, potentially the largest ever won by a New York State resident.