Mega Millions Drawing: $323M Jackpot on Feb. 3
The excitement is building across the United States as the Mega Millions lottery prepares for its next drawing on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. With an estimated jackpot of $323 million—and a cash option of $145.7 million—this multi-state game continues to captivate millions of players dreaming of life-changing wealth. No jackpot winner emerged from the previous drawing on Friday, January 30, pushing the prize to these dizzying heights. As tickets fly off shelves, here's everything you need to know about tonight's event, from winning numbers to playing tips and historical context.
Latest Mega Millions Winning Numbers
The most recent Mega Millions drawing took place on Friday, January 30, 2026, but alas, no one matched all five white balls plus the Mega Ball to claim the top prize. The winning numbers from that night were 11, 34, 36, 43, 63, with the Mega Ball landing on 13. While the jackpot eluded players, smaller prizes were awarded to those who matched various combinations. Tonight's drawing, set for approximately 11 p.m. ET, promises fresh numbers and renewed hope.
Mega Millions drawings occur every Tuesday and Friday, broadcast live on YouTube for viewers nationwide. If you're tuning in, remember that tickets must be purchased before the cutoff time, which varies by state but is typically around 10 p.m. ET. Have you grabbed your tickets yet? With the jackpot soaring, sales are expected to surge in the final hours.
How to Play Mega Millions and Win Prizes
Playing Mega Millions is straightforward and accessible, whether you're a seasoned lotto enthusiast or a first-timer. For $5 per ticket, you select five numbers from 1 to 70 (the white balls) and one Mega Ball from 1 to 25. The $5 base price now includes an automatic multiplier for non-jackpot prizes, boosting potential winnings without extra cost. Want to amplify your prizes further? Add the Megaplier option for just $1 more, which can multiply non-jackpot awards by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or even 10x.
Understanding Prizes and Odds
To win any prize, you need at least the Mega Ball, which nets $2. Matching one white ball plus the Mega Ball earns $4, while two white balls alone won't win unless paired with the Mega Ball ($10). The odds of hitting the jackpot—matching all five white balls and the Mega Ball—are about 1 in 302 million, making it a true long shot. However, smaller prizes are more attainable: the odds of winning any prize are roughly 1 in 24.
For a full breakdown, visit the official Mega Millions website. Prizes range from $2 for the Mega Ball alone up to the jackpot, with nine other ways to win. In the January 30 drawing, thousands claimed prizes, from $4 console wins to larger payouts for matching four white balls plus the Mega Ball (worth $10,000 or more with multipliers).
Recent Mega Millions Jackpot Winners (2023-2025)
The past few years have seen a flurry of Mega Millions jackpots, with 19 major wins since 2023. The most recent came on December 2, 2025, when a lucky ticket in New Jersey scooped $90 million. Georgia followed suit on November 14, 2025, with a whopping $980 million prize—the largest of the bunch in this period.
Other notable wins include:
- $348 million in Virginia (June 27, 2025)
- $112 million in Ohio (April 18, 2025)
- $344 million in Illinois (March 25, 2025)
- $113 million in Arizona (January 17, 2025)
- $1.22 billion in California (December 27, 2024)
- $800 million in Texas (September 10, 2024)
- And more, including multiple Florida and New York victories.
These wins highlight the lottery's broad appeal, with jackpots claimed in 15 states. Winners can choose annuity payments over 30 years or the lump-sum cash option, often opting for the latter to invest or enjoy immediately. Taxes, of course, take a significant bite—federal withholding is 24%, plus state taxes varying by location.
All-Time Top Mega Millions Jackpots
Mega Millions has produced some of the largest lottery prizes in history. The record remains the $1.58 billion jackpot won in Florida on August 8, 2023, which was split among three tickets. Close behind is the $1.537 billion from South Carolina in 2018, claimed by a single anonymous winner.
Here's a snapshot of the top 11:
- $1.58 billion – Florida (Aug. 8, 2023)
- $1.537 billion – South Carolina (Oct. 23, 2018)
- $1.35 billion – Maine (Jan. 13, 2024)
- $1.337 billion – Illinois (July 29, 2022)
- $1.22 billion – California (Dec. 27, 2024)
- $1.05 billion – Michigan (Jan. 22, 2021)
- $980 million – Georgia (Nov. 14, 2025)
- $656 million – Multi-state (Mar. 30, 2012)
- $648 million – Multi-state (Dec. 17, 2013)
- $560 million – Illinois (June 4, 2024)
- $543 million – California (July 24, 2018)
These mega-jackpots often roll over multiple drawings, building hype and participation. The February 3, 2026, prize, while not record-breaking, could grow even larger if it goes unclaimed.
Fun Facts and Tips for Playing Mega Millions
Did you know the most commonly drawn white balls in Mega Millions history include 10, 14, 20, and 31? While no strategy guarantees a win—it's all random—some players swear by quick picks or birthday numbers. The game, launched in 1996, now operates in 45 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Play responsibly: Set a budget, as the lottery is entertainment, not investment. If you win big, consult financial advisors and lawyers before claiming. For tonight's drawing, head to your local retailer or buy online where available.
What's Next for Mega Millions?
As the clock ticks toward 11 p.m. ET on February 3, anticipation is palpable. Will this be the night a new millionaire is made? Check results immediately after the draw on the official site or app. If no jackpot winner, expect the prize to balloon for Friday's drawing. Stay tuned to Everythiiing.com for updates, winner stories, and lottery news. Who knows—your numbers could be the ones that change everything.
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