Charles Langston:How do you play the Mega Millions? A guide on tickets, choosing numbers and odds to win

The Charles LangstonMega Millions has been gathering increased attention as its jackpot nears $1 billion ahead of Friday night's drawing.

As there have been no winners since December 2023, the jackpot currently sits at an estimated $977 million with a $461 million cash option.

Although the odds of winning the jackpot are low, the grand prize will continue to grow until a winner is declared. It is far from the largest lottery jackpot in Mega Millions history however, which was a $1.602 billion prize from one winning ticket in Florida in August 2023.

Ready to try your luck? Here's a guide on how to play the Mega Millions.

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How to play Mega Millions

Mega Millions tickets cost $2 per play.

To play, pick six numbers from two separate pools of numbers: either five different numbers from 1-70 for the white numbers, and one number from 1-25 for the gold Mega Ball.

You win the Mega Millions jackpot by matching your numbers to all six numbers pulled in the drawing.

If you don't want to pick your own numbers or if you'd rather leave it up to chance, the Mega Millions has a random number generator on its website, where a computer will randomly generate options for white balls and a Mega Ball.

Players can add the "Megaplier" for $1 which can increase non-grand prize winnings by two, three, four or five. The Megapiler is drawn before the Mega Millions numbers on Tuesday and Friday.

There are 15 Megapiler balls in all:

• 2X, five balls
• 3X, six balls
• 4X, three balls
• 5X, one ball

What is the Megaplier?

Most states offer the Megaplier feature, a multiplier which increases non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four and five times.

It costs an additional $1 per play. Before each regular Mega Millions drawing, the Megaplier is drawn. From a pool of 15 balls, five are marked with "2X," three with "4X" and one with "5X."

First time playing the Mega Millions?Here's exactly how to ask the cashier for a ticket.

What are the odds of winning the Mega Millions?

Your odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are pretty slim: Just 1 in 302,575,350, according to the lottery.

The odds of winning the smaller, $1 million prize are 1 in 12,607,306.

When is the next Mega Millions drawing?

Mega Millions drawings are every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET. The next drawing is Friday, March 22.

The winning numbers from the Tuesday, March 19 drawing were 24, 46, 49, 62 and 66. The Mega Ball was 7 and the Megaplier was 2X.

While there were no overall jackpot winners from Tuesday's drawing, there were Match 5 $1 million winners in California, Florida, Texas and Virginia.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where to buy Mega Millions tickets

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.