History of Mega Millions in Timeline

Mega Millions is a multijurisdictional American lottery game that began on September 6, 1996, with six participating states. As of June 30, 2023, it's offered in 45 states plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The first Mega Millions drawing occurred in 2002 after the game grew in 1997 with a Tuesday drawing added in 1998. The lottery's logo features a gold ball with six stars, symbolizing the game's initial members.

August 31, 1996: Tickets for The Big Game on Sale

On August 31, 1996, tickets for The Big Game began to be sold in Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Virginia.

September 6, 1996: First Drawing

On September 6, 1996, the first drawing of The Big Game (later Mega Millions) took place with six participating states: Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Virginia.

1996: Georgia Lottery Forced Removal

In 1996, The Georgia Lottery, then a member of MUSL, was forcibly removed from MUSL shortly after wanting to sell both games.

1997: Game Growth

In 1997 The Big Game saw considerable growth.

February 1998: Tuesday Drawing Added

In February 1998, a Tuesday drawing was added to The Big Game due to the game's growth.

January 1999: Cash Option for Jackpot Winners

Beginning in January 1999, jackpot winners were given the option to receive their prize in cash.

May 1999: New Jersey Joins The Big Game

In May 1999, New Jersey joined The Big Game.

September 11, 2001: World Trade Center Attack

In the aftermath of the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, New York passed legislation to join a multi-jurisdictional lottery game.

May 15, 2002: Game Renamed

On May 15, 2002, Ohio and New York joined The Big Game consortium and the game was temporarily renamed The Big Game Mega Millions.

September 2002: Washington Joins Mega Millions

In September 2002, Washington joined Mega Millions.

2002: The Big Game becomes Mega Millions

In 2002, The Big Game officially became Mega Millions.

2002: First Mega Millions Drawing

The first Mega Millions drawing (under The Big Game Mega Millions name) was held in 2002.

February 2003: Logo Change

In February 2003, the yellow ball in the Mega Millions logo, which initially read "The Big Game," was replaced with six stars representing the original members of the consortium.

December 30, 2003: Elecia Battle Claims Lost Winning Ticket

In January 2004, Elecia Battle claimed she lost the winning ticket in the December 30, 2003, Mega Millions drawing and filed a lawsuit against the woman who had the ticket.

2003: Megaplier Introduction

In 2003, when Texas joined Mega Millions, it began offering the Megaplier option, initially only available to Texas Lottery players.

January 2004: Elecia Battle Admits False Report

In January 2004, Elecia Battle admitted to lying about losing the winning Mega Millions ticket and was charged with filing a false police report.

June 24, 2005: California Joining Drawing

On June 24, 2005, to commemorate California joining Mega Millions, the night's drawing was held in Hollywood, with Carrie Underwood assisting host Glenn Burns.

November 15, 2005: "The Lucky 7" Wins Jackpot

For the November 15, 2005, drawing, a group called "The Lucky 7" held the only jackpot-winning ticket, purchased in Anaheim, California, winning $315 million. They chose the cash option, splitting $175 million before tax.

2005: California Joins Mega Millions

In 2005, California joined Mega Millions, becoming the last addition before the cross-sell expansion of 2010.

2005: Mega Millions Mailing Scam

In 2005, Mega Millions was the target of a mailing scam where scammers used the logo to trick people into providing personal financial information by cashing bogus checks.

July 1, 2006: New Jersey Lottery Shutdown

Due to the 2006 New Jersey Government shutdown, on July 1, 2006, all New Jersey lottery terminals were shut down, meaning Mega Millions could not be played in New Jersey.

March 6, 2007: Mega Millions Jackpot Reaches $390 Million

On March 6, 2007, the Mega Millions jackpot reached $390 million, which was then the third-largest jackpot in U.S. history. The jackpot was shared by two tickets, and both winners chose the cash option, with each share $116,557,083 before tax.

2007: Mega Millions Prizes Go Unclaimed

In 2007, a $31 million Mega Millions prize went unclaimed in New York, along with several $250,000 prizes unclaimed in Michigan.

2008: Carol Blackmon and Adria Wofford became hosts

Since 2008, the Mega Millions drawings have been emceed by Carol Blackmon and Adria Wofford.

October 13, 2009: Agreement to Cross-Sell Mega Millions and Powerball

On October 13, 2009, the Mega Millions consortium and Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) reached an agreement in principle to cross-sell Mega Millions and Powerball in American lottery jurisdictions.

October 2009: Agreement Between Mega Millions and MUSL

In October 2009, an agreement between Mega Millions and MUSL allowed all U.S. lotteries to offer both games.

January 31, 2010: Cross-Sell Expansion

On January 31, 2010, 23 Powerball members began selling Mega Millions tickets, and 10 Mega Millions members began selling Powerball tickets.

February 2, 2010: First Cross-Sell Drawing

On February 2, 2010, the first drawing occurred for Powerball members selling Mega Millions tickets as part of the cross-selling expansion.

March 1, 2010: Montana Joins Mega Millions

On March 1, 2010, Montana became the first jurisdiction to add either game after the cross-sell expansion, joining Mega Millions.

March 13, 2010: New Jersey Wins Powerball Jackpot

On March 13, 2010, New Jersey became the first Mega Millions participant to produce a jackpot-winning ticket for Powerball after joining that game.

March 20, 2010: Nebraska Joins Mega Millions

On March 20, 2010, Nebraska joined Mega Millions after the cross-sell expansion.

March 28, 2010: Oregon Joins Mega Millions

On March 28, 2010, Oregon joined Mega Millions after the cross-sell expansion.

April 16, 2010: Ohio Joins Powerball

Ohio joined Powerball on April 16, 2010.

April 18, 2010: Arizona Joins Mega Millions

On April 18, 2010, Arizona joined Mega Millions after the cross-sell expansion.

May 9, 2010: Maine Joins Mega Millions

On May 9, 2010, Maine joined Mega Millions after the cross-sell expansion.

May 16, 2010: Colorado and South Dakota Join Mega Millions

On May 16, 2010, Colorado and South Dakota joined Mega Millions after the cross-sell expansion.

May 28, 2010: North Carolina Wins Mega Millions Jackpot

On May 28, 2010, North Carolina became the first Powerball member to produce a jackpot-winning Mega Millions ticket after joining Mega Millions.

September 12, 2010: Megaplier Increases Second Prize

Beginning September 12, 2010, Mega Millions tickets bought with the Megaplier option automatically won $1 million if the five white balls were matched, excluding the Mega Ball.

October 2010: U.S. Virgin Islands Joins Mega Millions

In October 2010, the U.S. Virgin Islands joined Mega Millions.

2010: Original Members Produced Jackpot Winners

Before the 2010 cross-sell expansion, each of the 12 original Mega Millions members had produced at least one jackpot winner.

2010: Georgia Lottery Returns to MUSL

In 2010, Georgia returned to MUSL with the cross-selling expansion.

2010: Mega Millions Cross-Sell Expansion

Prior to the 2010 cross-sell expansion, Mega Millions was the only multi-jurisdictional lottery whose drawings were carried nationally.

January 4, 2011: Mega Millions Drawing Similar to Lost Numbers

On January 4, 2011, the Mega Millions drawing gained attention for its similarity to "The Numbers" from the ABC drama series Lost. The first three numbers and mega ball matched numbers used in the show.

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January 2011: Megaplier Available to Most States

By January 2011, all Mega Millions lotteries, except for California, offered the Megaplier option.

January 2011: Megaplier Expansion

In January 2011, the "Megaplier" was made available to all Mega Millions jurisdictions as an add-on, costing an extra $1 per play.

July 1, 2011: Minnesota Lottery Shutdown

On July 1, 2011, a similar shutdown to New Jersey happened in Minnesota.

November 2011: Louisiana Joins Mega Millions

In November 2011, Louisiana joined Mega Millions.

November 16, 2011: Louisiana Joins Mega Millions

Louisiana's lottery joined Mega Millions on November 16, 2011.

January 2012: Powerball Price Increase

In January 2012, Powerball was altered, with a price increase of $1 for each play, making a base game cost $2.

January 24, 2012: At Least $1.5 Billion Spent on Mega Millions Tickets

Following the previous Mega Millions jackpot win on January 24, 2012, at least $1.5 billion was spent on Mega Millions tickets for subsequent drawings.

March 30, 2012: Mega Millions Jackpot Reaches Record High

On March 30, 2012, the Mega Millions jackpot was drawn for an advertised $640 million, with a cash value of $462 million. The initial estimate was $476 million, but brisk ticket sales increased it to $656 million.

May 15, 2013: Florida Joins Mega Millions

On May 15, 2013, Florida joined Mega Millions.

May 2013: Florida Joins Mega Millions

In May 2013, Florida officially joined Mega Millions.

October 18, 2013: Final 5/56 + 1/46 Drawing

On October 18, 2013, the final 5/56 + 1/46 Mega Millions drawing was held. The jackpot of $37 million was not won.

October 19, 2013: Mega Millions Jackpot Odds

From October 19, 2013 – October 27, 2017, the odds of winning or sharing a Mega Millions jackpot were one in about 258.9 million.

October 22, 2013: First 5/75 + 1/15 Drawing

On October 22, 2013, the first Mega Millions drawing under the revised 5/75 + 1/15 format occurred. The jackpot estimate was $55 million. The minimum jackpot was $15 million, with rollovers of at least $5 million.

December 17, 2013: Mega Millions Jackpot Won by Two Tickets

On December 17, 2013, Mega Millions' eighth-largest jackpot of $648 million was won. Two winning tickets were sold, one each from California and Georgia.

2013: Prizes and Odds

In 2013 the prizes and odds (2013–2017 version) were based on a $1 play.

2013: Wyoming Establishes Lottery

In 2013, Wyoming became the 44th state to establish a lottery.

2013: Prize Pool Allocation

The 2013–2017 version allocated about 68 percent towards the jackpot.

January 3, 2014: California Ticket Holder Claimed Mega Millions Prize

On January 3, 2014, the holder of the winning California ticket from the December 17, 2013, Mega Millions drawing claimed the prize.

2014: Mega Millions Drawings Removed from WGN America

In late 2014, Mega Millions drawings were removed from WGN America when it ceased carrying WGN's newscasts.

July 8, 2016: Mega Millions Jackpot Won in Indiana

On July 8, 2016, a Mega Millions jackpot of $540 million was won by a ticket from Indiana. The winner chose the cash option.

October 27, 2017: Mega Millions Jackpot Odds

From October 19, 2013 – October 27, 2017, the odds of winning or sharing a Mega Millions jackpot were one in about 258.9 million.

October 28, 2017: Previous Format Began

Mega Millions' previous format began on October 28, 2017. In this version, five white balls are drawn from a pool of 70, and one gold-colored "MegaBall" is drawn from a separate pool of 24. A player must match all six numbers to win the jackpot.

October 31, 2017: Price Increase and Matrix Change

On October 28, 2017, the price of a Mega Millions play doubled, to $2, the first drawing under the current price point was October 31, 2017. The Mega Millions double matrix changed, from 5/75 + 1/15 to the current 5/70 + 1/25.

2017: Prizes and Odds

In 2017 the prizes and odds (2013–2017 version) were based on a $1 play.

2017: Prize Pool Allocation

The 2013–2017 version allocated about 68 percent towards the jackpot.

2017: Mega Millions Play Price Stays the Same

The price of a Mega Millions play stayed the same until 2017, while the price of Powerball increased.

March 30, 2018: Mega Millions Jackpot Won in New Jersey

On March 30, 2018, a Mega Millions jackpot of $533 million was won by a ticket from New Jersey. The winning ticket was sold at Riverdale Lukoil South Gas Station.

July 24, 2018: Mega Millions Jackpot Won by Co-Workers

The July 24, 2018, Mega Millions drawing produced a $543 million jackpot. The winning ticket was held by 11 co-workers at a Wells Fargo branch in San Jose, who chose to split the $320 million cash lump sum.

August 2018: Mississippi Lottery Bill Passed

In August 2018, a bill establishing a lottery in Mississippi was passed and sent to the governor.

October 23, 2018: Mega Millions Jackpot Won in South Carolina

On October 23, 2018, the second-largest Mega Millions jackpot of $1.537 billion was won by a single ticket sold in South Carolina.

March 5, 2019: Mega Millions Jackpot Claimed Anonymously

On March 5, 2019, the winner of the October 23, 2018, Mega Millions jackpot claimed their prize in South Carolina, choosing to remain anonymous under state law.

November 25, 2019: Mississippi Lottery Begins Operations

The Mississippi lottery officially began on November 25, 2019.

2019: Mississippi Lottery Begins

In 2019, Mississippi began selling lottery tickets.

January 2020: 47 Lotteries Offer Mega Millions and Powerball

As of January 2020, 47 lotteries were offering both Mega Millions and Powerball.

January 2020: Just the Jackpot Wagers

As of January 2020, there has yet to be a jackpot winner from a Just the Jackpot wager; there also is no known count of such wagers that would have won second prize (5+0) with a traditional Mega Millions play.

January 30, 2020: Mississippi Joins Mega Millions

On January 30, 2020, Mississippi officially joined Mega Millions.

April 7, 2020: Mega Millions Starting Jackpot Temporarily Reset

On April 7, 2020, the Mega Millions starting jackpot was temporarily reset from $40 million to $20 million due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This adjustment was made to promote social distancing, prevent crowding at ticket sales venues, and to accommodate lower interest rates.

May 11, 2022: Incorrect Mega Ball Called

On May 11, 2022, during a Mega Millions drawing, the mega ball number was incorrectly called. The New York Lottery paid $5,538 to customers before discovering the error.

July 29, 2022: Mega Millions Jackpot Won in Illinois

On July 29, 2022, a Mega Millions jackpot worth $1.34 billion was won by a single ticket sold in Illinois.

2022: Adria Wofford replaced Sabrina Cupit as secondary host

In 2022, Sabrina Cupit was replaced by Adria Wofford as a the secondary host.

January 13, 2023: Mega Millions Jackpot Won in Maine

On January 13, 2023, a Mega Millions jackpot worth $1.35 billion was won with a ticket sold in Maine, marking the first time a jackpot ticket was sold in that state.

June 30, 2023: Mega Millions Availability

As of June 30, 2023, Mega Millions is offered in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

August 8, 2023: Mega Millions Jackpot Won in Florida

On August 8, 2023, a Mega Millions jackpot of $1.602 billion was won in Neptune Beach, Florida. The winning ticket was sold at Publix, with the winner opting for a cash option of $794.2 million.

2023: Adria Wofford promoted to co-host.

In 2023, Adria Wofford was promoted to co-host, serving alongside Crow, while Blackmon was demoted to back-up host.

March 26, 2024: Mega Millions Jackpot Won in New Jersey

On March 26, 2024, a Mega Millions jackpot of $1.13 billion was won with a ticket sold in New Jersey.

October 7, 2024: Mega Millions Announces New Format

On October 7, 2024, Mega Millions announced a new format that would take effect on April 5, 2025, with the new drawing occurring on April 8, 2025. The new format will increase the cost to $5 per play, which will include the Megaplier, increase the starting jackpot to $50 million, and feature one less Mega Ball.

December 27, 2024: Mega Millions Jackpot Won in California

On December 27, 2024, the fifth-largest Mega Millions jackpot, valued at $1.22 billion, was won with a ticket sold in Cottonwood, California. Additionally, five other tickets won the secondary prize.

April 5, 2025: Current Version Regulations Begin

The current version's regulations for Mega Millions began on April 5, 2025, with the first drawing planned for April 8. The minimum advertised jackpot is $50 million, paid in 30 graduated yearly installments, increasing 5% each year, unless the cash option is chosen.

April 2025: Megaplier is available in California

California's Mega Millions will offer Megaplier starting April 2025 format changes.

April 2025: Future of Just the Jackpot Wagers

It is unknown whether Just the Jackpot was scrapped after the April 2025 format changes.

April 2025: Changes to Mega Millions Megaplier

Starting in April 2025, with format changes, the Megaplier will have a 10x multiplier. Prior to April 5, 2025 the Megaplier could be activated by adding $1 to a basic Mega Millions game.