How to Play Mega Millions in New York
It’s really easy to play Mega Millions in New York. Start by picking five main numbers from 1 to 70 and a Mega Ball between 1 and 25, then there are just a couple of additional options to decide on.
You must buy your tickets before 10:00 PM on Tuesdays and Fridays, with the drawing held an hour later. You can play at any New York Lottery retailer by following the steps below:
Select your numbers
Mark five numbers from 1 to 70 on your playslip, plus one Mega Ball between 1 and 25. Your Mega Ball can be the same number as one of your main balls, as it is drawn from a separate pool. If you just want to play a random set of numbers, you can select the Quick Pick option. You can also play up to five sets of numbers at a time, by completing the different game areas on your playslip – A, B, C, D and E.
Decide on Megaplier
Say Yes (Y) to Megaplier by marking the relevant box on your playslip. If you win a prize – apart from the jackpot – it will be increased by the value of a multiplier that is selected at random as part of the draw. See the Megaplier page for all the details.
Play Multiple Draws
You can enter your numbers into several consecutive drawings – 2, 4, 5, 10, 20 or 26 – by marking any of the boxes in the Multi-Draw section of your playslip. Leave this area blank if you just want to play one draw.
Purchase your ticket
The cost of Mega Millions is $2 per play, plus an extra $1 if you add the Megaplier feature. The total you’ll have to pay then depends on how many consecutive drawings you enter and how many sets of numbers you pick.
Another option is to ‘Play It Again’, where you can take an old ticket from the last 30 days to a retailer and get a new ticket with all the same selections. The cost of the new ticket matches the original play.
Just the Jackpot
One optional feature that is unique to Mega Millions is the ‘Just the Jackpot’ option, which is available in New York and a few other states, but not everywhere. With Just the Jackpot, you can play two Quick Picks at a discounted cost of $3 instead of $4. There are also options on your playslip to enter four Quick Picks for $6, six for $9, eight for $12 or 10 for $15.
The difference to a regular play is that you are only eligible to win the top prize. Match all the numbers and you’ll win the jackpot, but match fewer numbers and you won’t receive a payout – even if you get five out of six.
Playing Through a Lottery Courier
A new way to enjoy lotteries is to use what is known as a lottery courier. Instead of going to a retailer yourself, you sign up to a service such as Jackpot.com. You still pick the numbers you want to play, but an agent of the courier company will purchase your tickets for you. A digital image of the ticket will be available in your online account.
How to Win
You win Mega Millions prizes by matching the numbers you pick to the numbers that are drawn. You are guaranteed a prize as long as you match the Mega Ball, even if you don’t get any of the five main numbers. In total, there are nine different ways to win. Head over to the Odds and Prizes page to see a full payout chart.