How to play the lottery
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Current jackpot$261,000,000cash value $110,500,000 (42.3%)
Next draw Tuesday, Sep 22
Play smart. Know the numbers.
Mega Millions blog
Guides, explainers and rule changes, so you understand what a Mega Millions jackpot is actually worth before you make a decision about it.

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TaxesNearly every guide says the cash option is 50 to 60 percent of the advertised jackpot. In September 2026 it was 42.4 percent. Here is why the old rule of thumb is now wrong.
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Use the free Mega Millions Calculator to estimate your winnings after taxes in seconds.