Mega Millions Jackpot: Is Tonight the Night?
Is today your lucky day? The Mega Millions lottery is currently holding a massive estimated jackpot of $416 million for the drawing on Friday, February 20th, with a cash option of $193.1 million. This comes after a New Jersey player snagged a $90 million jackpot on December 2nd. Meanwhile, the Powerball jackpot isn’t far behind, sitting at $190 million with a cash value of $88.5 million.
Winning Numbers for February 20th, 2026
Here are the winning numbers for the Mega Millions drawing held on Friday, February 20th, 2026:
- 15
- 40
- 48
- 58
- 63
- Mega Ball: 2
How to Play Mega Millions
Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET. Tickets now cost $5 each and include a ‘Megaplier’ which can increase your non-jackpot winnings up to 10 times! Significant changes to the game were implemented on April 8, 2025, including a reduction in the number of Mega Balls to choose from (now 1 to 24).
You can choose your own numbers – five from 1 to 70 for the white balls and one from 1 to 24 for the Mega Ball – or opt for a ‘Quick Pick’ where the lottery machine randomly selects numbers for you. You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen or resident to play, and even matching just the Mega Ball can win you at least $10!
Matching all five white balls (except in California) guarantees a minimum prize of $2 million. You can find a complete breakdown of prize payouts on the official Mega Millions website.
Where Can You Buy Tickets?
Mega Millions is available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The following states do not currently offer Mega Millions: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.
Tickets can be purchased in person at various retail locations, including gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Some airport terminals also sell lottery tickets.
Play Online with Jackpocket
For a convenient online experience, consider using Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Jackpocket is currently available in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The app allows you to select your numbers, place your order, view your ticket, and collect winnings directly from your phone or computer.
Important Deadlines
Ticket purchase deadlines vary by state, so don’t wait until the last minute! Deadlines can range from 15 minutes to an hour (or more) before the drawing. For third-party apps like Jackpocket, the deadline may be even earlier – for example, 9:15 p.m. ET for the 11 p.m. ET drawing in New Jersey. Check the deadline for your state here.
Understanding Your Chances & Payout Options
While the dream of winning is exciting, remember the odds of hitting the jackpot are a staggering 290,472,336-to-1. For perspective, here are 13 things more likely to happen than winning the lottery.
Jackpot winners have two payout options: annuity and cash. The annuity option provides payments over 29 years, with annual increases. The cash option offers a lump sum, significantly smaller than the advertised jackpot, but provides immediate access to the funds.
Anonymity and State Laws
Some states, like New Jersey, allow lottery winners to remain anonymous under a recent law signed by Gov. Phil Murphy. However, in many other states, a winner’s name and hometown are public record. Check your state lottery’s rules for more information.
Need Help?
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, resources are available. Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.800gambler.org.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms and conditions.
