California Lottery FAQs

What is MEGA Millions?

MEGA Millions is a multi-state lottery game known for big jackpots. You can currently play MEGA Millions in eleven states: Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Washington. California is the 12th state to join.

Will SuperLOTTO Plus continue to be available?

Yes. MEGA Millions will be one in a portfolio of games offered by the Lottery. California is one of the most diverse states in the country – one size does not fit all here. To accommodate the different preferences of our players, we need to add a game that has huge jackpots. Some people will prefer to continue to play SuperLOTTO Plus, because it’s “their” game.

Will the prize payouts be the same in California as they are in other MEGA Millions States?

The jackpot prize will be the same for all the states. However, in California all other prizes are pari-mutuel, meaning payouts are based on sales and the number of winners.

Where does the money from MEGA Millions go?

34 cents of EVERY $1 ticket sold in California still goes to education no matter who wins the MEGA Millions jackpot.

By introducing MEGA Millions won’t sales from SuperLOTTO Plus drop off dramatically and result in less money for schools?

No. We anticipate that there will be shifts in sales between SuperLOTTO Plus and MEGA Millions, especially when there are large jackpots. However, the total impact on overall sales should be a net increase of $300 million to $500 million.

What are the odds of winning a prize in MEGA Millions?

The overall odds of winning any prize in MEGA Millions will be 1 in 40 and the odds of winning the jackpot will be 1 in 176 million, based on an overall 12 state population of 154 million. (The overall odds of winning any prize in SuperLOTTO Plus are 1 in 23 and the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 41.4 million.)

Where and how will I be able to play MEGA Millions?

MEGA Millions will be available at all current Lottery retailers and costs $1 per play. You pick 5 numbers from a field of 1 to 56 and a MEGA number from 1 to 46. There will be two draws per week at 8 p.m. Pacific Time on Tuesdays and Fridays. The winning numbers will be available at all Lottery retailers, on the Lottery’s website, and through media outlets.

How long do I have to collect a MEGA Millions prize?

You have 180 days to claim your prize, the same as with SuperLOTTO Plus.

Can a group of people share a MEGA Millions prize?

Yes, MEGA Millions prizes can be shared.

Are prizes taxable?

All prizes are subject to Federal income taxes and other offsets required by law. However, there are no state/local taxes.

What happens to MEGA Millions payments if the winner dies before collecting?

If a winner dies before receiving all annual payments, MEGA Millions will continue to pay the annual payments, as scheduled, to the winner's designated beneficiary or to the winner's estate.

What happens to a MEGA Millions jackpot prize if it is not claimed?

If a jackpot prize is not claimed within the required time limit, each of the participating states in the MEGA Millions game will get back all the money they contributed to that jackpot. Each state in the game uses unclaimed prizes for different purposes. In California unclaimed MEGA Millions jackpot prize funds are distributed to education.

If I win the jackpot, what are my payout options?

Jackpot prizes are paid in 26 annual installments. However, after you win the jackpot and your prize is validated by the Lottery, you will have 60 days to choose the cash value of the prize instead of 26 annual payments.