Mega Millions Jackpot Rises to $637M, Largest of 2026 So Far

The Jackpot Landscape\n\nThe Mega Millions jackpot has been steadily growing since no ticket matched all six numbers in recent drawings. As of July 14, 2026, the prize stands at $637 million — the highest of the year. The Powerball game, meanwhile, is also offering a substantial $457 million prize for its Saturday drawing.\n\n### Drawing Schedule & How to Play\n\n- Mega Millions: Drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 8:00 p.m. Pacific. Ticket sales close at 7:45 p.m. before each drawing.\n- Powerball: Drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 7:59 p.m. Pacific. Ticket sales close at 6:45 p.m. on drawing days.\n\n### 2025 Rule Changes\n\nThe 2025 overhaul of Mega Millions made the game more attractive:\n- Higher starting jackpot — Now begins at $50 million instead of $20 million.\n- Improved odds — Overall chances of winning any prize were enhanced.\n- Automatic multipliers — Non-jackpot prizes now include automatic multipliers from 2x to 10x, meaning players can win significantly more on secondary prizes without purchasing the Megaplier add-on.\n\n### Recent Winners in Washington State\n\nAccording to Washington's Lottery, several notable prizes have been claimed in 2026:\n\n| Prize Amount | Game | Location |\n|-------------|------|----------|\n| $30,000 | Mega Millions | Greenlake Gas Stations, Seattle (July 3) |\n| $50,000 | Powerball | 7-Eleven, Lynnwood |\n| $100,000 | Mega Millions | Undisclosed |\n| $100,000 (×3) | Powerball | Various locations |\n| $150,000 | Powerball | Undisclosed |\n| $250,000 | Powerball | Undisclosed |\n\n> Actionable Tip: If you're in Washington, check your tickets carefully — several six-figure prizes have gone unclaimed from earlier drawings.

What are the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot?\nA: The odds of matching all six numbers to win the Mega Millions jackpot are approximately 1 in 302.6 million.\n\nQ: How much would I take home after taxes on a $637 million jackpot?\nA: For a lump-sum cash option (typically about 60% of the advertised jackpot), federal taxes withhold 24% upfront, plus state taxes vary. In Washington, which has no state income tax, a winner could expect to take home roughly $290–$320 million after federal taxes, depending on the final cash value.\n\nQ: What changed with Mega Millions in 2025?\nA: The starting jackpot increased to $50 million, overall odds of winning any prize improved, and automatic multipliers (2x to 10x) were added to all non-jackpot prizes.\n\nQ: Where can I buy tickets?**\nA: Tickets are available at authorized lottery retailers across participating states. In Washington, check the Washington's Lottery website for a list of retailers.

*Do you think the Mega Millions jackpot will be claimed on Tuesday night, or will it keep rolling over? Let us know your thoughts!*\n\n> Share this with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!\n> Help your friends and family know about the biggest lottery prize of 2026.\n\n📱 Share on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Reddit\n\n### Sources\n- TODAY Show — Mega Millions Jackpot Rises to $637M (July 14, 2026)\n- KOMO News — Mega Millions and Powerball Jackpots Surpass $1B (July 10, 2026)\n- Washington's Lottery — Official Site