MEGA Millions® - Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about MEGA Millions? Click on a topic below to find your answers:
What is MEGA Millions?
MEGA Millions is one of the largest multi-state lottery games in North America – 42 lotteries! We are proud to offer this exciting game to our players! California was the 12th state to join. For additional information about MEGA Millions and participating lotteries, go to www.megamillions.com.
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Is SuperLOTTO Plus still available?
Yes. MEGA Millions is one in a portfolio of games offered by the Lottery. California is one of the most diverse states in the country – one size does not fit all here. To accommodate the different preferences of our players, we want a game that has huge jackpots. Some people will prefer to continue to play SuperLOTTO Plus, because it’s “California's” game.
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Will the prize payouts be the same in California as they are in other MEGA Millions States?
The jackpot prize will be the same for all the states. However, in California all other prizes are pari-mutuel, meaning payouts are based on sales and the number of winners.
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Where does the money from MEGA Millions go?
For every dollar spent on Lottery products, 94 cents is returned to the community in the form of player prizes, retailer compensation and contributions to education. In FY 2009/2010, revenues from the Lottery generated $129 per pupil, or $1.1 billion total and supported over 8.567 million students in California’s public schools. [use the new lottery ball graphic found on this page www.calottery.com/support/lotteryfunds/.
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What are the odds of winning a prize in MEGA Millions?
The overall odds of winning any prize in MEGA Millions are 1 in 40 and the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 176 million.
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Where and how can I play MEGA Millions?
MEGA Millions is available at all current Lottery retailers and costs $1 per play. You pick 5 numbers from a field of 1 to 56 and a MEGA number from 1 to 46. There are two draws per week at 8 p.m. Pacific Time on Tuesdays and Fridays. The winning numbers are available at all Lottery retailers, on this website, and through some media outlets.
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How long do I have to collect a MEGA Millions prize?
For a MEGA Millions Jackpot prize a player has up to 1 year from the date of the draw to claim the jackpot prize. For all other MEGA Millions prizes, you have 180 days to claim your prize, the same as with SuperLOTTO Plus.
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Can a group of people share a MEGA Millions prize?
Yes, MEGA Millions prizes can be shared.
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Are prizes taxable?
All prizes are subject to Federal income taxes and other offsets required by law. However, there are no state/local taxes.
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What happens to MEGA Millions payments if the winner dies before collecting?
If a winner dies before receiving all annual payments, MEGA Millions will continue to pay the annual payments, as scheduled, to the winner's designated beneficiary or to the winner's estate.
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What happens to a MEGA Millions jackpot prize if it is not claimed?
If a jackpot prize is not claimed within the required time limit, each of the participating states in the MEGA Millions game will get back all the money they contributed to that jackpot. Each state in the game uses unclaimed prizes for different purposes. In California unclaimed MEGA Millions jackpot prize funds are distributed to education.
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If I win the jackpot, what are my payout options?
Jackpot prizes are paid in 26 annual installments. However, after you win the jackpot and your prize is validated by the Lottery, you will have 60 days to choose the cash value of the prize instead of 26 annual payments.
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Why does the MEGA Millions draw video feed show a Megaplier result?
The MEGA Millions draw video feed available to players online, includes Megaplier results not offered in California. California players in the non-jackpot tiers receive pari-mutuel prizes (prizes divided among actual winners for the prize category).
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What is a multiplier feature?
The other 41 MEGA Millions lotteries (not California) allow players to purchase a Megaplier feature for an extra $1.00 per play that increases the non-grand/jackpot prize winnings. The California Lottery offers pari-mutuel prize levels to non-grand jackpot winners and does not offer a Megaplier feature on MEGA Millions tickets.
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Why doesn’t the California Lottery offer a multiplier feature for its MEGA Millions game?
California law does not allow multiplier features for MEGA Millions. The law states that the California Lottery must be able to determine its prize liability before each draw occurs based on a pari-mutuel system. Prize liabilities for a multiplier feature cannot be determined until after the draw, prohibiting its use in California.
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Why can other states offer a multiplier feature on their LOTTO games?
Other lotteries are not restricted by California law.
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