When Is the Next Mega Millions Drawing? Jackpot Soars to $600 Million Ahead of Oct. 14 Game

The Mega Millions jackpot has surged to an estimated $600 million as anticipation builds for the next drawing, set for Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 11 p.m. ET. With no grand prize winner in recent weeks, the jackpot continues its climb toward potentially historic territory.

This drawing offers a lump sum cash payout of approximately $277.2 million for those who prefer the one-time payment option. If no ticket matches all six numbers, the jackpot could approach the top 10 Mega Millions prizes ever awarded, surpassing the $648 million mark from December 2013.

Next Mega Millions Drawing: Date, Time, and Prize Details

The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 11 p.m. ET. Drawings occur twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays. Tickets can be purchased up until 10:45 p.m. ET on the night of the draw in most states.

The odds of hitting the Mega Millions jackpot are about 1 in 290.47 million. Despite these long odds, players continue to test their luck, especially as the prize approaches record-breaking levels. In 2025 alone, four Mega Millions jackpots have already been won. The largest, a $348 million prize, was claimed by a Virginia ticket holder on June 27.

Other notable wins this year include $344 million in Illinois on March 25, $112 million in Ohio on April 18, and $113 million in Arizona just 17 days into the year. None of these, however, come close to the current $600 million prize on the line.

How to Play Mega Millions and Boost Your Chances

Playing Mega Millions is simple. Players choose six numbers: five white balls from 1 to 70 and one gold Mega Ball from 1 to 24. Those who prefer not to pick their own numbers can opt for a “Quick Pick,” where numbers are randomly generated by the system.

Each ticket costs $5 and includes a randomly assigned multiplier that can increase non-jackpot prizes by up to 10 times. To win the jackpot, a player must match all six numbers drawn. Matching fewer numbers can still result in significant secondary prizes.

In North Carolina, while no one has claimed a top-10 Mega Millions jackpot, the state recently celebrated a $2 million win in August when Deborah Sexton matched all five white balls. After taxes, she took home more than $1.43 million.

Where the $600 Million Jackpot Stands in Mega Millions History

The current jackpot is still below the record-breaking top prizes, but it’s climbing fast. The largest Mega Millions jackpot ever was a staggering $1.602 billion, claimed in Florida on August 8, 2023. Other notable wins include $1.537 billion in South Carolina (October 2018), $1.348 billion in Maine (January 2023), and $1.337 billion in Illinois (July 2022).

Should the jackpot continue to grow without a winner, it could soon surpass the $648 million milestone and break into the list of top 10 largest Mega Millions prizes of all time. That potential has players across the country rushing to secure their tickets before Tuesday night’s draw.

As the Mega Millions jackpot hits $600 million, all eyes are on the Oct. 14 drawing. Whether you’re a regular player or just feeling lucky, this could be one of the most thrilling moments in the game’s history.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When is the next Mega Millions drawing?

The next drawing is on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 11 p.m. ET. Drawings occur every Tuesday and Friday.

Q2: How much is the current Mega Millions jackpot?

The current estimated jackpot is $600 million, with a cash option of $277.2 million.

Q3: How many Mega Millions jackpots have been won in 2025?

There have been four so far, with the largest being $348 million claimed in Virginia on June 27.

Q4: What are the odds of winning Mega Millions?

The odds of winning the jackpot are approximately 1 in 290.47 million.

Q5: Can lottery winners remain anonymous in North Carolina?

No. North Carolina law requires lottery winners to be publicly identified when claiming prizes.