MegaMillions FAQ
MegaMillions
What is MegaMillions?
The MegaMillions are a US lottery with an unlimited jackpot that is regularly causing a stir even in Europa and Germany. You bet on 5 out of 70 winning numbers as well as a MegaBall from 1 to 24 and each jackpot phase starts directly with 50 million $. Since there is theoretically no limitation to the jackpots, the winning prospects are better than with the german LOTTO 6aus49.
There are often hundreds of millions of dollars available for distribution. The jackpot has even exceeded the billion mark in the past! The draws always take place in the early morning hours on Wednesday and Saturday. The MegaMillions closing date has therefore been set at midnight before the draw commences. After the draw, which takes place around 5 o'clock in the morning, the MegaMillions Results & Numbers are published on our website.
Game Rules: How do you play MegaMillions?
MegaMillions is a popular number lottery from the US, known for its high jackpots and simple rules. Players choose 5 numbers from a pool of 70 and also select an additional MegaBall number, which ranges from 1 to 24. The correct MegaBall number is required to hit the top prize tier.
How to Play: How do you fill out the MegaMillions play slip?
On the MegaMillions play slip at Lottohelden.com, you have 10 fields to choose your lucky numbers. In the large top field, you mark 5 numbers out of 70. Below, you can select a separate MegaBall number for each of your number picks, ranging from 1 to 24. To hit the jackpot, you need six correct numbers, and the MegaMillions formula is '5 plus 1'!
Bet: What does it cost to participate in Megamillions?
Each completed MegaMillions play slip costs €7.50. A relatively low stake considering the jackpot can rise indefinitely. This price includes all fees for participation in the game, and there are no additional costs or processing fees. The amount you need to pay for the MegaMillions ticket is clearly displayed when filling out the play slip and is also shown again in the shopping cart before submission.
Duration: How long is a MegaMillions play slip valid?
You can choose how many MegaMillions draws you want to participate in with your play slip. First, decide if you want to play just one or both drawing days (Wed. & Sat.). After that, you can select the duration of your play. Your ticket can be valid for up to 8 consecutive weeks without renewal (multi-week ticket). Long-term plans are also easy to manage, as you can predate each of your play slips for up to 10 weeks.
Subscription: How do you submit a MegaMillions subscription ticket?
Don’t want to miss out on the Mega Jackpot? Turn your multi-week ticket into a subscription! With this option, your bet automatically renews every four weeks, and you’re in every draw for as long as you want. Alternatively, use the Jackpot Cracker feature, which automatically deactivates the play slip once the Mega Jackpot has been won.
Cutoff: When is the deadline to submit a MegaMillions play slip?
As MegaMillions draws are known to take place early in the morning (Wed. and Sat. around 5 AM), we’ve set a late cutoff time for you. You can submit your lucky numbers up until midnight (00:00) the day before the draw. A confirmation of your play slip submission will be sent to you via email with an electronic receipt.
Draw: When are the MegaMillions numbers drawn?
The MegaMillions numbers are drawn around 5 AM Central European Time in Atlanta, Georgia. Under notary supervision, the white and black winning numbers (5 out of 70) are drawn and announced one by one. Finally, the golden MegaBall (1 to 24) is drawn from a separate machine. Immediately after the results are published, we perform an automatic number match for our customers and notify all winners via email and SMS about their hits.
Odds: What are the chances of winning MegaMillions?
The odds of correctly guessing all the numbers in MegaMillions are around 1 in 302 million, according to the game formula. This is about half the probability of the German Lotto. However, the US lottery makes up for this seemingly low chance with much higher jackpots, which always start at $50 million and grow without a cap. So, when the jackpot hits, it hits big! Here you can find an overview of all MegaMillions winning odds.
Prize Tiers: What can you win in MegaMillions?
With 9 different prize tiers, there are plenty of chances to win in MegaMillions. For a first-tier win, all you need is the correct MegaBall number. The jackpot amounts in tier 1 are listed in US dollars. We’ve increased the amounts in tiers 2 to 9 and rounded them up in euros. You can find an overview of all the prize amounts under MegaMillions Quoten.
Win More: How Can I Improve my odds of winning MegaMillions?
The easiest way to improve your chances in MegaMillions is by playing multiple lines at once. This way, you not only send one combination into the draw but also increase your chances of winning. You can also team up with friends or colleagues. Simply create a lottery syndicate and join the hunt for the Mega Jackpot together!
Rekord: What was the highest MegaMillions jackpot?
Hard to Believe, But True: The Highest Mega Millions Jackpot in US Lottery History Reached an Incredible $1.53 Billion in 2018. A player from South Carolina hit the winning numbers and secured the massive prize, coming close to setting a new world record. However, just slightly ahead, the title of "Biggest Jackpot of All Time" is still held by the US Powerball lottery.
Payout: Won MegaMillions – what happens next?
You hit the right numbers in MegaMillions? Congratulations! Whether it’s a big, medium, or small win, you don’t need to travel to the USA to claim your prize. Unless you’d like to vacation there with your winnings. With Lottohelden.de, all winnings come straight to you and are automatically paid out, including directly to your German bank account upon request!
Main prize: Megamillions jackpot won – what’s next?
Jackpot! The MegaMillions jackpot payout is, of course, in euros and follows the official regulations of the US lottery. You can choose between a 30-year annuity payout or a lump sum payout. Depending on the payout option, there will be one-time deductions of varying amounts. For more information, please refer to the Lottohelden terms and conditions.
Taxes: MegaMillions winnings have to be taxed?
In general, lottery winnings in Germany are tax-free, which is a welcome exception in our tax system. This rule also applies to MegaMillions: Winnings do not need to be taxed. Only in the top 3 prize tiers will the same deductions apply as they would for a winner in the United States. Of course, we take care of the entire process.
Free multiplier: How does the Megamillions multiplier work?
With the automatic multiplier, the chances of winning are greatly increased. For each draw, a so-called multiplier number (2, 3, 4, 5, or 10) is drawn, which acts as a prize multiplier for prize tiers 2 through 9. This means you can actually win 10 times the prize and quickly win up to $10 million!
History: Since when has Megamillions been around?
Although MegaMillions is still a novelty for German players, it has been creating record jackpots in the USA for years. The lottery was introduced in 1996 under the name "The Big Game" – certainly a fitting name for a lottery with no jackpot limit. Since 2002, the US lottery has been known by its current name and is now coming to Germany.
Legal: Can you play Megamillions in Germany?
As of today, MegaMillions is not yet available at German kiosks, although the US lottery with its mega jackpot often makes headlines here as well. However, if a German player wants to try their luck, they can either combine their ticket purchase with a trip to the States – or simply play the US lottery numbers online via Lottohelden.de.