The $743 million jackpot for July 24, 2026 is the 10th-largest in Mega Millions history.
Winning numbers: White balls **2-5-42-44-60** | Mega Ball **1**
Cash value option: $323.4 million (lump sum)
A California ticket sold in Palmdale won $7.3 million in the July 21 drawing (numbers: 25, 37, 59, 68, 70; MB: 10)
The last Mega Millions jackpot winner was in Ohio on St. Patrick's Day ($60 million), over three months ago
The next drawing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28 at 11 p.m. ET
Why this matters: This jackpot represents one of the largest lottery prizes ever offered in the U.S., with significant tax implications for the eventual winner. The cash option alone — over $323 million before taxes — would fundamentally change the life of whoever claims the prize.
The July 24 drawing marks a milestone for Mega Millions, placing this jackpot in elite company. The top 10 jackpots now include this $743 million prize, though the winner has yet to be confirmed.
| Rank | Amount | Date | Location |
|------|--------|------|----------|
| 1 | $1.602B | Aug 8, 2023 | Florida |
| 2 | $1.537B | Oct 23, 2018 | South Carolina |
| 3 | $1.348B | Jan 1, 2023 | Maine |
| 4 | $1.337B | Jul 29, 2022 | Illinois |
| 5 | $1.269B | Dec 27, 2024 | California |
| 6 | $1.128B | Mar 26, 2024 | New Jersey |
| 7 | $1.05B | Jan 22, 2021 | Michigan |
| 8 | $983M | Nov 14, 2025 | Georgia |
| 9 | $810M | Sep 10, 2024 | Texas |
| 10 | $743M | Jul 24, 2026 | TBD |
Winners can choose between:
Lump sum: A one-time cash payment of $323.4 million
Annuity: An immediate payment followed by 29 annual checks, each 5% larger than the previous year
In the July 21 drawing, a ticket worth $7,326,642 was sold at Alrabadi Gas and Mini Mart on East Palmdale Boulevard in Palmdale, California — a reminder that significant prizes are won even when the jackpot rolls over.
If no one matched all six numbers on July 24, the jackpot will roll over to the Tuesday, July 28 drawing. The next drawing takes place at 11 p.m. ET (8 p.m. PT).
Winners should prepare for significant tax obligations:
Federal taxes: Up to 37% withholding on lottery winnings
State taxes: Vary by state (some states like California, Florida, and Texas have no state income tax on lottery winnings)
The lump sum of $323.4 million could shrink to roughly $180-200 million after federal taxes, depending on the winner's tax bracket and state of residence
Ticket cost: $5 per play
Number selection: Five numbers from 1-70 (white balls) + one Mega Ball from 1-24
Quick Pick/Easy Pick: Computer-generated random numbers available
Megaplier: Now built into every ticket (previously an add-on), multiplying non-jackpot prizes by 2x to 10x
Claim period: Varies by state (90 days to one year from the draw date)
The winning numbers were 2, 5, 42, 44, 60 with the Mega Ball 1.
The cash option is $323.4 million. After federal taxes (up to 37%), a winner could take home approximately $180-200 million, depending on their tax bracket and state tax obligations.
The next drawing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28 at 11 p.m. ET (8 p.m. PT).
The ticket was sold at Alrabadi Gas and Mini Mart on East Palmdale Boulevard in Palmdale, California.
Claim periods vary by state, ranging from 90 days to one year from the drawing date. Winners should check with their local state lottery for specific deadlines.
In some states, Mega Millions tickets can be purchased online. Availability depends on state regulations.
Check your tickets: If you played for the July 24 drawing, verify your numbers against **2-5-42-44-60 (MB: 1)** immediately.
Sign your ticket: If you're a winner, sign the back of your ticket before doing anything else to establish ownership.
Seek professional advice: Lottery winners should consult financial advisors, tax professionals, and attorneys before claiming a prize of this magnitude.
Plan for taxes: Remember that the jackpot is subject to federal and potentially state taxes — the advertised amount is not what you'll take home.
Claim promptly: Deadlines vary by state (90 days to one year), but don't delay.
Who this affects most: Players in the 45 participating states, plus DC and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with California and Arizona players already celebrating secondary wins from the previous drawing.
The $743 million Mega Millions jackpot represents a life-changing opportunity for whoever holds the winning ticket — if there was a winner at all. With the last jackpot hit over three months ago in Ohio, the anticipation continues to build.
Do you think there was a winner on Friday night, or will the jackpot roll over to $800+ million? Share your predictions below!
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