WaterLoow

Introduction

Did you check your ticket yet? With the Mega Millions jackpot climbing to $366 million for the February 10, 2026 drawing, millions of Americans are scrambling to verify whether they’re holding a winning ticket from the previous draw. The February 6 drawing saw the jackpot reach $346 million, and while no one claimed the grand prize, thousands of players won smaller amounts—some without even realizing it.

Understanding how to properly check Mega Millions winning numbers and navigate the claiming process isn’t just about protecting potential winnings. It’s about avoiding the heartbreak of discovering you held a winning ticket only after the claim deadline passed. Since April 2025, when Mega Millions introduced its new $5 ticket format with improved odds and an automatic multiplier feature, the game has attracted even more players. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about checking results, verifying tickets, understanding your odds, and claiming prizes in 2026.

How to Check Mega Millions Winning Numbers (February 2026 Results)

Latest Drawing Results and Jackpot Updates

The February 6, 2026 Mega Millions drawing produced winning numbers 13-21-25-52-62 with Mega Ball 19. The estimated jackpot stood at $346 million with a cash value of $156.1 million. No ticket matched all six numbers, causing the jackpot to roll over to $366 million for the February 10 drawing.

Drawings occur twice weekly on Tuesday and Friday evenings at 11:00 PM ET. The next opportunity to become a millionaire happens February 10, with ticket sales closing between 9:45 and 10:45 PM depending on your state. Many players don’t realize that even if they miss the jackpot, the new format offers nine prize tiers with automatic multipliers that can turn a $10 prize into $100 instantly.

Multiple Ways to Verify Your Ticket

Verifying your numbers quickly and accurately is essential. The most reliable method is using your state lottery app, which typically updates results within minutes of the drawing. Simply scan your ticket using your smartphone camera, and the app instantly tells you if you’ve won.

Official state lottery websites post lottery results shortly after 11:15 PM ET on drawing nights. You can manually compare your numbers against the official results displayed on these sites. For those who prefer in-person verification, authorized retailers have ticket scanners at checkout counters. Insert your ticket, and the machine displays whether it’s a winner and the prize amount.

Check-a-Ticket machines at convenience stores and lottery retailers offer another hands-free option. These standalone kiosks let you scan tickets without interacting with store personnel—useful if you want to keep potential winnings private until you’re ready to claim.

Remember the critical 180-day claim deadline that applies in most states. Mark your calendar immediately after purchasing tickets. Some states like New Mexico allow only 90 days, while others extend up to a year for jackpot prizes.

Prize Claiming Guide: State-by-State Requirements

Small Prize Claims Under $600

Winning smaller amounts is refreshingly simple. Prizes up to $599 can be claimed at any authorized lottery retailer in your state. Just hand your signed winning ticket to the cashier, who will scan it and pay you immediately in cash.

Many players don’t realize they’ve won smaller prizes because they only check if they hit the jackpot. With the new multiplier feature, matching just the Mega Ball wins you $2, which can multiply up to $20. Always check every ticket thoroughly, as these smaller wins add up over time.

Sign the back of your ticket the moment you purchase it. This simple step legally establishes you as the owner. If your ticket is lost or stolen, an unsigned ticket can be claimed by anyone who possesses it. Store tickets in a safe place—preferably photographed as backup documentation—until you verify results and claim any prizes.

Jackpot and Major Prize Procedures

For prizes exceeding $600, the claiming process becomes more formal. You’ll need to visit your state lottery office or submit a mail-in claim with a completed winner claim form. Prizes between $600 and $5,000 typically require a trip to a regional lottery office, while anything above $5,000 often necessitates visiting the state lottery headquarters.

Jackpot winners face the biggest decision of their lives within 60 days of validation: choose the 30-year annuity or the lump sum cash option. The annuity pays the full advertised amount in 30 graduated payments, increasing 5% annually to protect against inflation. The cash option pays significantly less—usually about 45% of the advertised jackpot—but provides immediate access to funds.

Federal taxes take an immediate 24% bite from prizes over $5,000, with additional taxes potentially due when filing your return. State taxes vary dramatically, from zero in states like Florida and Texas to over 8% in New York. Consulting a financial advisor and tax professional before claiming large prizes is essential. Many lottery offices provide lists of recommended advisors experienced in handling sudden wealth.

Understanding Your Odds with the New 2025 Format

Game Format Changes and Improved Odds

The April 2025 format overhaul changed Mega Millions fundamentally. Jackpot odds improved from 1 in 302.6 million to 1 in 290.5 million—a modest improvement, but meaningful when dealing with these astronomical numbers. The trade-off? Tickets doubled from $2 to $5.

Overall winning odds also improved to 1 in 23.07 for any prize tier. This means roughly one in every 23 tickets wins something, whether it’s $2 or $10 million. The adjustment aimed to create more frequent winners while maintaining large jackpots that capture national attention.

Players select five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball from 1 to 25. This matrix produces better odds than the previous format while keeping jackpots substantial. The smallest prize tier—matching just the Mega Ball—has odds of 1 in 37, making it the most commonly won prize.

Built-in Multiplier Feature Explained

Perhaps the most significant change is the automatic multiplier included with every $5 ticket. Previously, players paid an extra dollar for the optional Megaplier. Now it’s built into the base ticket price, multiplying all non-jackpot prizes by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X.

The second-tier prize for matching five white balls (but not the Mega Ball) ranges from $2 million to $10 million depending on the multiplier drawn. This represents a massive upgrade from the previous $1 million second prize. Even matching four white balls plus the Mega Ball can net $10,000 to $50,000 with the multiplier.

The 10X multiplier appears only when the jackpot is under $150 million, making smaller jackpot drawings potentially more valuable for non-jackpot prizes. Understanding this dynamic helps strategic players decide when to buy tickets based on total expected value, not just jackpot size.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time are Mega Millions winning numbers drawn?

Drawings occur every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM ET. Ticket sales close between 9:45 and 10:45 PM depending on your state, so purchase tickets at least an hour before drawing time to ensure they’re included in that night’s drawing.

How long do I have to claim Mega Millions prizes?

Most states allow 180 days (approximately six months) from the drawing date to claim prizes. However, timeframes vary—New Mexico allows only 90 days while some states extend to one year for jackpots, so verify your specific state’s rules immediately after winning.

What are the odds of winning any Mega Millions prize?

Overall odds are 1 in 23.07 for winning any prize tier under the new 2025 format. Jackpot odds are 1 in 290,472,336, while odds of winning at least $10,000 are approximately 1 in 931,000.

Can I remain anonymous if I win Mega Millions?

Anonymity rules vary significantly by state jurisdiction. States like Delaware, Kansas, Maryland, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, and Wyoming allow winners to remain anonymous, while others require public disclosure of names and sometimes photos.

What is the Mega Millions multiplier feature?

The built-in multiplier (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X) automatically applies to all non-jackpot prizes on every ticket purchased since April 2025. This feature costs nothing extra and can multiply a $10,000 prize into $100,000 instantly, with the 10X multiplier available only when jackpots are under $150 million.

Conclusion

Checking Mega Millions winning numbers promptly after each drawing and understanding proper verification procedures protects you from missing legitimate prizes. The 2025 format improvements—better odds, automatic multipliers, and enhanced second-tier prizes—make every ticket more valuable than ever. Always verify results through official channels, sign tickets immediately upon purchase, and familiarize yourself with your state’s claiming requirements and deadlines. Whether you’re chasing the $366 million jackpot or hoping to multiply a smaller prize, staying informed maximizes your lottery experience and ensures you never leave money on the table.