Mega Millions Numbers: How late can you buy tickets and where — Details about the next draw

With the Mega Millions jackpot climbing to an estimated $253 million on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, lottery enthusiasts across the United States were eager to test their luck. While no ticket matched all the required numbers, the interest surrounding the draw has raised another crucial question: how late can one buy a Mega Millions ticket, and where?

Mega Millions Winning Numbers for August 26

According to officials, the Mega Millions winning numbers for the August 26 draw were 7, 12, 30, 40, and 69, with the Mega Ball 17. The cash option for the jackpot stood at $113.8 million.

Despite the excitement, there was no jackpot winner this time, and the prize will now roll over to the next drawing scheduled for Friday, August 29, 2025, at 11 p.m. ET.

Ticket Purchase Deadlines Vary by State

One of the most common queries from players is how late tickets can be purchased before a draw. In most states, ticket sales close between 10:45 p.m. and 10:59 p.m. ET on draw nights.

For example, in New Jersey, in-store and online sales are available until 10:45 p.m. In other states, including New York and California, sales stop at varying times, often just minutes before the draw begins. Players are advised to check state lottery websites for the exact cut-off time applicable in their region.

Where to Buy Mega Millions Tickets

Tickets can be purchased at licensed retail outlets across 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Additionally, several states, including New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, also allow online purchases through official lottery websites or mobile apps.

Each Mega Millions play costs $5, and buyers must be at least 18 years old, though in some states the minimum age requirement may be higher.

Odds and Prize Tiers

The structure of the game remains unchanged: players select five white ball numbers from 1 to 70, along with one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. Matching all six numbers secures the jackpot.

The odds of winning the jackpot are slim, about 1 in 290,472,336. However, players can still secure smaller prizes ranging from $10 to $10 million, depending on the number of matches and the multiplier applied.

Multiplier and Payouts

Mega Millions retired its “Megaplier” feature and replaced it with an automatic built-in multiplier. This increases non-jackpot winnings by two, three, four, five, or even ten times.

The prize chart includes:

• Match 5 white balls + Mega Ball: Jackpot
  
• Match 5 white balls: $2 million to $10 million
  
• Match 4 white balls + Mega Ball: $20,000 to $100,000
  
• Match Mega Ball only: $10 to $50
  

What Happens If You Win?

A jackpot winner can choose between an annuity option or a cash option.

• The annuity is paid in one immediate installment followed by 29 annual payments, each 5% larger than the last, designed to guard against inflation.
  
• The cash option is a lump-sum payout equal to the cash in the prize pool.
  

If multiple winners emerge, the jackpot is split equally among them.

Next Drawing and Growing Excitement

With no winner on Tuesday, the prize money continues to build, attracting both seasoned players and newcomers. The next drawing on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 11 p.m. ET is expected to push the jackpot even higher.

For those eager to participate, the key is simple: buy tickets well before the cut-off time and keep track of the Mega Millions numbers as they are announced.

FAQs

How late can I buy a Mega Millions ticket before a drawing?

In most states, ticket sales close between 10:45 p.m. and 10:59 p.m. ET on draw nights. For instance, in New Jersey, sales stop at 10:45 p.m.

Where can I buy Mega Millions tickets?

Tickets are available at licensed retailers in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In some states like New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, tickets can also be purchased online through official lottery platforms.