If you’ve been asking when’s the next Mega Millions drawing, you’re not alone. After Tuesday night’s results left players across the country without a jackpot winner, the Mega Millions frenzy is building again. The jackpot has rolled over, and excitement is spreading from coast to coast as players prepare their next set of lucky numbers.
With one of the largest prizes of the month up for grabs, here’s everything you need to know about the next Mega Millions drawing — including the date, time, current jackpot size, how to play, and where to check results.
When’s the Next Mega Millions Drawing?
The next Mega Millions drawing will take place on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
The drawings are held twice weekly, every Tuesday and Friday, from the WSB-TV studio in Atlanta, Georgia, under strict security and official oversight. Each drawing is broadcast live and then uploaded to online platforms within minutes.
Players can catch the drawing:
- On local TV stations carrying lottery results.
- Via the official Mega Millions website or app.
- Through state lottery social media channels that post the winning numbers shortly after the live event.
Tickets for each drawing can be purchased up until 10:45 p.m. ET on the night of the draw in most states, although some state lotteries close ticket sales slightly earlier.
Current Jackpot: Friday, November 7, 2025
The jackpot for the next drawing stands at a remarkable $158 million, with a cash payout option estimated at $73.4 million before taxes.
No player matched all six numbers in the November 4, 2025 drawing, which produced the winning numbers 09, 17, 36, 42, 51, and Mega Ball 14 with a 3x Megaplier. Because there was no jackpot winner, the prize rolled over — a common occurrence that adds to Mega Millions’ popularity and suspense.
In the November 4 draw, two tickets — sold in California and New Jersey — matched five numbers, earning each a $1 million payout. Hundreds of thousands of smaller prizes were also awarded nationwide.
Mega Millions Drawing Schedule
Mega Millions maintains a consistent drawing schedule throughout the year, ensuring players always know when their next opportunity to win is coming.
Here’s a look at the November 2025 Mega Millions drawing calendar:
| Draw Date | Day | Time (ET) | Estimated Jackpot |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 7, 2025 | Friday | 11:00 p.m. | $158 million |
| November 11, 2025 | Tuesday | 11:00 p.m. | TBD (increases if no winner) |
| November 14, 2025 | Friday | 11:00 p.m. | TBD |
| November 18, 2025 | Tuesday | 11:00 p.m. | TBD |
| November 21, 2025 | Friday | 11:00 p.m. | TBD |
Each drawing takes place at 11:00 p.m. Eastern, and results are typically posted online by 11:15 p.m. You can check your numbers immediately afterward through official outlets.
Where and How to Buy Tickets
Tickets for Mega Millions can be purchased in 45 U.S. states, as well as the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The only states that do not participate are Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.
There are several ways to get your ticket for the next drawing:
- In-person at authorized lottery retailers.
- Through official state lottery apps or websites (available in states like Michigan, Illinois, Georgia, and Virginia).
- Via self-service vending machines in many convenience stores and supermarkets.
Each ticket costs $2 per play, and you can add the Megaplier option for an extra $1. The Megaplier can multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, or 5x, depending on which number is drawn.
Example Ticket Costs:
| Play Type | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Play | $2 | One entry for all prize levels including jackpot |
| With Megaplier | $3 | Multiplies non-jackpot prizes up to 5x |
What Time Do Ticket Sales Close Before the Drawing?
Each participating state sets its own ticket cutoff time before the drawing begins. In general, sales close 15 minutes before the draw — around 10:45 p.m. ET.
Here are a few examples of state-specific sales cutoff times:
- New York: 10:45 p.m. ET
- Texas: 10:00 p.m. CT
- California: 7:45 p.m. PT
- Florida: 10:00 p.m. ET
If you’re buying online, check your state lottery’s website to confirm local cutoff rules.
How to Watch the Drawing Live
Players can watch the Mega Millions drawing live every Tuesday and Friday night:
- On select local television channels that carry lottery results.
- Via the official Mega Millions livestream hosted by WSB-TV in Atlanta.
- Through YouTube and social media channels of participating state lotteries.
Each live drawing takes less than two minutes, during which the five white balls and one gold Mega Ball are selected using certified lottery machines. The process is audited, transparent, and conducted under the supervision of independent observers.
What Happens If Nobody Wins the Jackpot?
If there is no jackpot winner in the November 7 drawing, the prize will roll over again for the next draw on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
This rollover mechanism is what allows Mega Millions jackpots to reach enormous sums — sometimes exceeding $1 billion, as seen in previous years. Ticket sales surge when jackpots rise, often pushing the prize even higher than the estimated amount by the time of the next drawing.
The largest Mega Millions jackpot on record was $1.602 billion, won on August 8, 2023, in Florida.
Odds of Winning Mega Millions
Every Mega Millions ticket has the same odds of winning, no matter how you play or where you purchase your ticket.
Here’s a breakdown of the odds and potential prizes:
| Match | Prize | Odds of Winning |
|---|---|---|
| 5 + Mega Ball | Jackpot | 1 in 302,575,350 |
| 5 | $1,000,000 | 1 in 12,607,306 |
| 4 + Mega Ball | $10,000 | 1 in 931,001 |
| 4 | $500 | 1 in 38,792 |
| 3 + Mega Ball | $200 | 1 in 14,547 |
| 3 | $10 | 1 in 606 |
| 2 + Mega Ball | $10 | 1 in 693 |
| 1 + Mega Ball | $4 | 1 in 89 |
| Mega Ball Only | $2 | 1 in 37 |
While the jackpot odds are long, millions of players win smaller prizes every week.
Checking Your Mega Millions Results
After each drawing, you can check the results in multiple convenient ways:
- Visit the official Mega Millions website (megamillions.com) for verified winning numbers.
- Use your state lottery’s mobile app for instant updates.
- Scan your ticket at any authorized retailer terminal.
- Watch televised results or official social media updates.
Always remember to sign the back of your ticket to protect ownership in case of loss or theft.
Winners typically have 90 days to one year to claim their prizes, depending on the rules in their state.
Why Mega Millions Continues to Attract Players
Part of what keeps Mega Millions so popular is its balance of affordability and excitement. For just $2 per play, anyone has the chance to win life-changing sums.
Each drawing brings together millions of players who dream big — from longtime lottery enthusiasts to casual participants who play only when jackpots soar. The simplicity of the game, along with the ability to buy tickets both in-person and online, ensures easy access nationwide.
The game also gives back. Every state that participates in Mega Millions uses its lottery revenue to fund community programs, public education, and local development initiatives.
Responsible Play Reminder
While playing the lottery can be fun, it’s important to do so responsibly. Lottery officials recommend:
- Setting a budget before purchasing tickets.
- Viewing play as entertainment, not an investment strategy.
- Keeping ticket purchases moderate, regardless of jackpot size.
Resources like the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) are available for anyone who needs support or guidance.
Historical Context: Major Mega Millions Moments
Since its launch in 1996 as “The Big Game,” Mega Millions has grown into one of the world’s largest and most recognized lottery games. Its rebranding in 2002 brought expanded play options and larger jackpots.
Some of the biggest Mega Millions moments include:
- $1.602 billion – Florida, August 8, 2023 (largest in game history).
- $1.537 billion – South Carolina, October 2018.
- $1.05 billion – Michigan, January 22, 2021.
- $1.33 billion – Illinois, July 2022.
These record-breaking wins remind players that, no matter how small the odds, someone eventually wins — and it could be from any corner of the country.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been wondering when’s the next Mega Millions drawing, now you know — it’s happening Friday, November 7, 2025, at 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time. With a jackpot estimated at $158 million, excitement is building nationwide as millions of hopeful players grab their tickets and await the big reveal.
Are you ready for the next Mega Millions drawing? Share your lucky number predictions or favorite play strategies in the comments below and join the conversation!