By Dawood Jarral, CFA, Market Policy Analyst |ย Global Economy
The winning numbers according to the official Mega Millions drawing have concluded, leaving the jackpot unclaimed and pushing the top prize to an estimated $138 million for the upcoming Tuesday draw.
While the result of winning numbers 9, 19, 31, 63, 64 and Mega Ball 7 didn’t crown a new billionaire, the results highlight a shifting landscape for the American lottery. In this new time (era) of the $5 ticket, the game is no longer just about luck; itโs a reflection of a high interest economy.
Fridayโs Winners and the Match 5 Silver Lining
Although the grand prize remains out of reach, Friday was far from a loss for everyone. Most of players across the all other country, including notable wins in California, successfully matched all five white balls, missing only the Mega Ball.
In California, these Match 5 prizes are pari mutuel, meaning the payout is determined by total ticket sales rather than a fixed $1 million prize. In the current $5 per-play environment, this often results in significantly higher secondary prizes, rewarding those who came this close to the life changing jackpot. The Megaplier for Friday was 4x, quadrupling non jackpot prizes for those who opted in.
A Week of Billion-Dollar Dreams
This Mega Millions rollover comes on the heels of one of the most historic weeks in lottery history. Just 48 hours prior, a massive $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot was claimed by a single ticket holder.
Related Coverage: Discover how the Arkansas Powerball Winner is navigating new 2025 tax laws and the state’s unique three-year anonymity cloak.
The Tax Reality of the $138 Million Jackpot
As the jackpot rolls over to Tuesday, Dec. 30, players should look past the headline number. The Yield Chasm the gap between the advertised annuity and the actual cash is at an all time high due to Federal Reserve interest rates.
If a single winner takes the $138M jackpot on Tuesday, here is the state by state take home reality for the $63.3 million cash option (after a 37% effective federal tax rate):
| State | State Tax | Estimated Final Take-Home |
| CA / FL / TX / WA | 0% | ~$39.87 Million |
| Pennsylvania | 3.07% | ~$37.93 Million |
| New Jersey | 10.75% | ~$33.07 Million |
| New York (City) | 12.70% | ~$31.83 Million |
Note: The lottery only withholds 24% for federal taxes upfront; winners must reserve an additional 13% for the IRS to avoid a massive tax season penalty.
Why the $5 Ticket is the New Normal
The transition to a $5 ticket price in 2025 was a calculated move to accelerate jackpot growth. By increasing the cost of entry, Mega Millions has created a premium gaming experience that reaches $100M+ milestones much faster than the old $2 model.
For states, this is a fiscal necessity. As traditional tax revenues fluctuate, the voluntary tax of the lottery has become a vital pillar for funding education and local infrastructure. For the player, it means the buck and a dream has evolved into a $5 strategic play against the backdrop of a high yield economy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many numbers do I need to win a prize in Mega Millions?
You only need to match one number the Mega Ball to win the base prize ($4). There are nine ways to win, ranging from matching just the Mega Ball to matching all five white balls plus the Mega Ball for the jackpot.
What are the most lucky numbers in Mega Millions?
While the draw is random, statistically the most frequently drawn white ball numbers are 31, 10, 17, 46, and 14. The most common Mega Ball is 22. However, every number has an equal mathematical chance in every draw.
Who won the largest Mega Millions jackpot?
The record for the largest Mega Millions jackpot is $1.602 billion, won on August 8, 2023, by a single ticket holder in Florida. (This remains the benchmark heading into 2026).
Is it better to pick your own numbers?
Statistically, No. Your odds of winning are identical whether you choose your own numbers or use Quick Pick. However, about 70% to 80% of jackpot winners use Quick Pick simply because the majority of tickets sold are generated that way.
Why did the ticket price change to $5?
The price increase was implemented to create larger jackpots faster and to provide better odds of winning smaller prize tiers, despite the higher cost of entry.
What is the next Mega Millions jackpot?
The jackpot for Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, is estimated at $138 million with a cash option of $63.3 million.
What were the Mega Millions numbers for Dec 26, 2025?
The winning numbers were 9, 19, 31, 63, 64 and Mega Ball 7. The Megaplier was 4x.
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