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Mega Millions Jackpot Reaches $358 Million Ahead of Drawing

Illustration of a lottery ticket and money representing the Mega Millions jackpot

Atlanta, Georgia, September 10, 2025

News Summary

The Mega Millions jackpot has escalated to an impressive $358 million, enticing players across the nation. The upcoming drawing on September 9, 2025, follows an unclaimed jackpot since June. Players can participate by purchasing a ticket for $5, with the chance to win significant prizes, including a minimum of $10 for matching the Mega Ball. As excitement builds, many hope for a life-changing fortune in this thrilling lottery event.

Mega Millions Jackpot Reaches $358 Million Ahead of September 9 Drawing

Atlanta, Georgia – The Mega Millions lottery jackpot has soared to an estimated $358 million, with a cash lump sum option of $164.5 million, for the upcoming drawing on September 9, 2025. This substantial prize has attracted heightened interest from players nationwide as the jackpot remains unclaimed since the last victory was reported in June.

The previous Mega Millions jackpot was won by a player from Virginia on June 27, who took home a prize of $348 million. Since then, the jackpot has grown significantly, making this week’s drawing one of the most anticipated in recent history. In contrast, the current Powerball jackpot stands at only $33 million, with a cash option of $15.2 million, attracting a different segment of lottery participants.

Details of the Upcoming Drawing

The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for 11 p.m. ET on September 9, 2025; drawings occur twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays. To participate, players must purchase a ticket for $5, which includes a multiplier option that can increase non-jackpot prizes by up to 10 times.

Players can select five numbers from 1 to 70 for the white balls and one number from 1 to 24 for the Mega Ball. Additionally, a Quick Pick option allows the lottery machine to randomly generate numbers for players. Importantly, anyone can participate in this lottery game, regardless of U.S. citizenship or residency in the state where tickets are purchased.

Prize Structure and Odds

$10 for matching just the Mega Ball, while matching all five white balls can yield a prize of at least $2 million (excluding California). In terms of odds, players have a daunting 1 in 290,472,336 chance of winning the jackpot, reflecting the extreme rarity of such large payouts.

Availability and Purchase Procedures

Mega Millions tickets can be purchased at various outlets including gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. In selected states, tickets are also available online through the Jackpocket app. It’s important for players to be aware that the ticket purchase deadline varies by state, typically ranging from 15 minutes to several hours before the drawing.

The Mega Millions game is accessible in 45 states, along with the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, residents in states such as Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah will find that Mega Millions is not offered.

Changes and Regulations

As of April 8, adjustments to the Mega Millions rules included a revision in ticket costs and alterations to the number selection process. Winners have the option to receive their prize in an annuity form, paid over time or as a one-time cash option. In certain states, such as New Jersey, winners may opt to remain anonymous.

Recent Lottery Activity

In a recent Powerball drawing held on September 8, the winning numbers drawn were 26, 28, 41, 53, 64, and Powerball 9. The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for September 10, 2025, but the spotlight this week remains firmly on the escalating Mega Millions jackpot.

Lottery, while primarily seen as a game of chance, continues to captivate players, fueling dreams of sudden wealth and greatly impacting state revenues as ticket sales surge amid rising jackpots. As the drawing date approaches, excitement is likely to build further, with numerous hopefuls participating in the quest for an extraordinary fortune.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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