In an astonishing turn of events, a lone ticket purchased in Florida secured the Mega Millions jackpot this Tuesday, amounting to an estimated $800 million. This staggering prize marks the largest lottery win of 2026 and ranks as the tenth largest in the history of the game.
The winning numbers drawn were 34, 48, 49, 59, and 70, with a Mega Ball of 12.
As of early Wednesday, lottery officials had yet to reveal the identity of the winner or the exact location of the store where the lucky ticket was sold.
Florida's Lottery Legacy
Florida has a notable history of lottery successes. Since joining Mega Millions in 2013, the state has celebrated six jackpot wins. It also holds the record for the largest Mega Millions prize ever awarded: a colossal $1.602 billion won on August 8, 2023, by Saltines Holdings, LLC, in Neptune Beach.
This Tuesday's draw concluded a streak of 38 consecutive draws without a jackpot winner and is only the third major prize claimed in 2026. Earlier winners this year included an anonymous online ticket from Illinois winning $536 million on March 10, and The Happy Trails Trust collecting $60 million in Van Wert, Ohio, on March 17.
Understanding the Payout Options
The fortunate ticket holder will face a choice between two payout options. The first option is an annuity: the full $800 million paid out as an initial sum followed by 29 annual payments. The second, more popular choice among winners, is a one-time cash payment of $344.2 million before taxes.
If the cash option is chosen, a mandatory federal withholding tax of 24% would reduce the payout to approximately $261.6 million, as highlighted by the New York Post. Notably, Florida does not impose a state tax on lottery winnings, providing a significant advantage over other states with local taxes.
Other Lucky Winners
In addition to the grand prize winner in Florida, two second-tier tickets also had a remarkable evening. One ticket sold at Corner Market in Buffalo, New York, matched all five white numbers, earning $3 million. Another ticket from Illinois achieved the same feat, winning $5 million.
The Cost and Odds of Winning
Since April 2025, the cost of a Mega Millions ticket increased from two to five dollars per play. This change was designed to create larger jackpots more quickly, as evidenced by the recent surge in prize amounts.
The odds of winning the jackpot are approximately 1 in 290,472,336, though the chances of winning any prize in the game are 1 in 23. Mega Millions draws take place on Tuesdays and Fridays across 45 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Looking Ahead: The Next Mega Millions Draw
For those who didn't win this Tuesday, there's another chance coming up soon. The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Friday, August 1, at 11 p.m. ET, offering an estimated jackpot of $50 million and a cash option of $21.5 million.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mega Millions
What are the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot?
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are approximately 1 in 290,472,336.
How much does a Mega Millions ticket cost?
As of April 2025, a Mega Millions ticket costs five dollars per play.
What are the payout options for the Mega Millions jackpot?
Winners can choose between an annuity option, with annual payments, or a one-time cash payment.