Mega Millions Jackpot Hits $368 Million Ahead of June 5 Drawing

The Mega Millions jackpot is climbing again ahead of the Friday, June 5 drawing, now sitting at a massive $368 million, with a cash option of $163.6 million. With excitement building fast, players across the country are eyeing a potential life-changing win.

? What happens if you hit the jackpot?

Winners get two payout choices:

• A lump-sum cash payment right away
• Or an annuity option, paid over time with yearly checks that increase by 5% each year

The last big win happened on March 17, when a lucky ticket holder in Ohio walked away with a $60 million jackpot. Since then, the prize has only kept growing.

? Biggest Mega Millions jackpots ever

Some of the most jaw-dropping wins in lottery history include:

• $1.602 billion — Florida (August 2023)
• $1.537 billion — South Carolina (October 2018)
• $1.348 billion — Maine (January 2023)
• $1.337 billion — Illinois (July 2022)
• $1.269 billion — California (December 2024)
• $1.128 billion — New Jersey (March 2024)
• $1.05 billion — Michigan (January 2021)
• $983 million — Georgia (November 2025)
• $810 million — Texas (September 2024)
• $656 million — Illinois, Kansas & Maryland (March 2012)

?? What is Mega Millions?

Mega Millions is a popular lottery game played in 45 U.S. states, plus Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Each ticket costs $5, and players choose:

• 5 white balls (numbers 1–70)
• 1 Mega Ball (numbers 1–24)

You can also skip the stress and go with Quick Pick / Easy Pick, where numbers are randomly generated for you.

To win the jackpot, all six numbers must match the drawing. If more than one winner hits the jackpot, the prize is split.

? How to play in simple steps

• Buy a ticket at a store, gas station, or grocery shop (some states allow online play)
• Select your numbers or use Quick Pick
• Wait for the drawing and check your results

? New twist: built-in multiplier

Every ticket now includes a built-in multiplier that can boost non-jackpot winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or even 10x. Previously, players had to pay extra for the Megaplier—but now it’s automatically included.