If you’ve ever dreamed about winning the Mega Millions jackpot, you’re not alone. Most of us have at least thought about what we'd do with millions of dollars. But what about the smaller wins? What happens if you only match one, two, or three numbers? Well, you’re still in for some decent payouts—though you won’t be quitting your day job anytime soon. Let's break down the prizes for those modest wins and what you can expect if you hit one, two, or three numbers in the Mega Millions drawing.
The Basics of Mega Millions
Before we dive into the smaller prizes, let's do a quick refresher on how Mega Millions works. Players select five white balls from 1 to 70 and one gold Mega Ball from 1 to 25. The Mega Millions jackpot is won by matching all five white balls plus the Mega Ball. But that's just the tip of the iceberg.
There are eight other prize levels below the jackpot, ranging from $10 to $2 million (if you get lucky with five white balls). The odds of hitting the jackpot? A staggering 302,575,350 to 1. But, the odds of hitting smaller prizes are way better! So, let’s take a look at what you’ll win if you match one, two, or three numbers.
What Happens When You Match 1 or 2 Numbers?
1. Matching Only the Mega Ball (Prize: $10)
This is the most basic win you can get in Mega Millions. If you only match the Mega Ball and none of the white balls, you’ll get $10. That’s a solid way to get your $2 ticket back—and then some.
Odds: 1 in 37.
It might not seem like much, but it’s a win! You’re not going home empty-handed, and it’s enough to buy another ticket if you’re feeling lucky.
2. One White Ball + Mega Ball (Prize: $14)
Now we’re talking. If you match one white ball and the Mega Ball, you’ll win $14. That’s not too bad for a $2 ticket, right? Plus, the odds of this happening are a little worse than matching just the Mega Ball, but it's still a decent prize.
Odds: 1 in 89.
At this point, you’re up about $12 compared to what you spent on the ticket. It’s not a huge win, but hey—it’s a win. And if you had the Megaplier (which costs an extra $1), you could multiply your prize!
What Happens When You Match 2 or 3 Numbers?
3. Two White Balls + Mega Ball (Prize: $20)
If you match two white balls and the Mega Ball, you get $20. It’s a small, but sweet reward for hitting a little more than half the numbers. Sure, you’re still not getting rich, but you’ve definitely got more than you paid for.
Odds: 1 in 693.
You’re getting closer to those big prizes now. You matched two of the white balls, and that’s definitely a decent win for your ticket. If you get lucky with the Megaplier here, you could turn that $20 into something even bigger.
4. Three White Balls (Prize: $20)
Now, we’re really getting into it. If you match all three white balls (but not the Mega Ball), you still win $20. The odds of this happening are a bit better than matching two white balls and the Mega Ball, but you’re still not hitting a life-changing amount.
Odds: 1 in 606.
It’s like hitting a mini-bonus prize. You didn’t get the big Mega Millions payout, but $20 back on your $2 ticket is better than a total loss. And it makes you think, “Maybe next time!”
What Happens When You Match 3 or 4 Numbers with the Mega Ball?
5. Three White Balls + Mega Ball (Prize: $400)
Now we’re talking serious money! If you match three white balls and the Mega Ball, you’re taking home $400. That’s a much bigger payout, and definitely worth getting excited about. Maybe not enough to quit your job, but it’s enough to treat yourself to something nice.
Odds: 1 in 14,547.
Imagine this: You buy your ticket, you match three white balls, and then the Mega Ball is called. You look around and think, “Did I really just win $400?!” And yeah, you did. That’s a decent prize for a $2 ticket.
6. Four White Balls (Prize: $1,000)
If you manage to match four of the white balls (no Mega Ball), you’ll win $1,000. It’s a solid win. In fact, it's probably enough to take a short trip or splurge on something you’ve been eyeing. The odds of matching four white balls are steep, but it happens.
Odds: 1 in 38,792.
$1,000 can go a long way. It could pay off some bills, take care of a few things around the house, or just be a nice bonus for a fun weekend. Either way, it’s a prize worth celebrating.
7. Four White Balls + Mega Ball (Prize: $20,000)
Now we’re getting into some serious territory. Matching four white balls plus the Mega Ball will earn you $20,000. That’s enough to change things around a bit. Pay off some debts, take a vacation, or make a big purchase. And the odds? Well, you might want to cross your fingers for this one.
Odds: 1 in 931,001.
But hey, it’s definitely not impossible. With 931,001-to-1 odds, you’re still in the running, so don’t lose hope.
Mega Millions – More Than Just the Jackpot
You might be wondering why the jackpot is so hyped up if the smaller wins are already pretty sweet. Well, hitting the Mega Millions jackpot is extremely rare. But that doesn’t mean you’re walking away with nothing! These smaller prizes can still make your day—or week.
Plus, the fun part is that you can always add the Megaplier option for an extra $1. This boosts your non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, or even 5x, depending on what’s drawn. If you win a prize like $20, the Megaplier could give you $40, $60, $80, or $100. So, it’s worth considering if you want a shot at a bigger prize.
Why You Should Still Play (Even for Small Wins)
Okay, let’s get real. No, you’re probably not going to win millions. But getting those smaller wins still feels pretty good. It’s like a little reward for your effort. Plus, think of it like this: even if you only match the Mega Ball and win $10, you can always use that to buy another ticket and keep the dream alive.
What’s cool about these smaller prizes is that they happen way more often than the jackpot. And hey, someone’s got to win, right? Why not you?
Matching one, two, or three numbers in the Mega Millions may not make you an instant millionaire, but it can still put a nice chunk of change in your pocket. Even the smaller wins, like matching just the Mega Ball or one white ball plus the Mega Ball, offer a decent return on your $2 ticket. Sure, the odds of hitting the big jackpot are insane, but the odds of hitting smaller prizes are much better—and that’s something to feel good about.
The next time you buy a ticket, remember: it’s not all about the jackpot. Those small wins could add up to something special too!
Read Also : How has BLACKPINK’s global success shaped the perception of K-pop internationally?
Matti Karttunen
If you’ve ever dreamed about winning the Mega Millions jackpot, you’re not alone. Most of us have at least thought about what we'd do with millions of dollars. But what about the smaller wins? What happens if you only match one, two, or three numbers? Well, you’re still in for some decent payouts—though you won’t be quitting your day job anytime soon. Let's break down the prizes for those modest wins and what you can expect if you hit one, two, or three numbers in the Mega Millions drawing.
The Basics of Mega Millions
Before we dive into the smaller prizes, let's do a quick refresher on how Mega Millions works. Players select five white balls from 1 to 70 and one gold Mega Ball from 1 to 25. The Mega Millions jackpot is won by matching all five white balls plus the Mega Ball. But that's just the tip of the iceberg.
There are eight other prize levels below the jackpot, ranging from $10 to $2 million (if you get lucky with five white balls). The odds of hitting the jackpot? A staggering 302,575,350 to 1. But, the odds of hitting smaller prizes are way better! So, let’s take a look at what you’ll win if you match one, two, or three numbers.
What Happens When You Match 1 or 2 Numbers?
1. Matching Only the Mega Ball (Prize: $10)
This is the most basic win you can get in Mega Millions. If you only match the Mega Ball and none of the white balls, you’ll get $10. That’s a solid way to get your $2 ticket back—and then some.
Odds: 1 in 37.
It might not seem like much, but it’s a win! You’re not going home empty-handed, and it’s enough to buy another ticket if you’re feeling lucky.
2. One White Ball + Mega Ball (Prize: $14)
Now we’re talking. If you match one white ball and the Mega Ball, you’ll win $14. That’s not too bad for a $2 ticket, right? Plus, the odds of this happening are a little worse than matching just the Mega Ball, but it's still a decent prize.
Odds: 1 in 89.
At this point, you’re up about $12 compared to what you spent on the ticket. It’s not a huge win, but hey—it’s a win. And if you had the Megaplier (which costs an extra $1), you could multiply your prize!
What Happens When You Match 2 or 3 Numbers?
3. Two White Balls + Mega Ball (Prize: $20)
If you match two white balls and the Mega Ball, you get $20. It’s a small, but sweet reward for hitting a little more than half the numbers. Sure, you’re still not getting rich, but you’ve definitely got more than you paid for.
Odds: 1 in 693.
You’re getting closer to those big prizes now. You matched two of the white balls, and that’s definitely a decent win for your ticket. If you get lucky with the Megaplier here, you could turn that $20 into something even bigger.
4. Three White Balls (Prize: $20)
Now, we’re really getting into it. If you match all three white balls (but not the Mega Ball), you still win $20. The odds of this happening are a bit better than matching two white balls and the Mega Ball, but you’re still not hitting a life-changing amount.
Odds: 1 in 606.
It’s like hitting a mini-bonus prize. You didn’t get the big Mega Millions payout, but $20 back on your $2 ticket is better than a total loss. And it makes you think, “Maybe next time!”
What Happens When You Match 3 or 4 Numbers with the Mega Ball?
5. Three White Balls + Mega Ball (Prize: $400)
Now we’re talking serious money! If you match three white balls and the Mega Ball, you’re taking home $400. That’s a much bigger payout, and definitely worth getting excited about. Maybe not enough to quit your job, but it’s enough to treat yourself to something nice.
Odds: 1 in 14,547.
Imagine this: You buy your ticket, you match three white balls, and then the Mega Ball is called. You look around and think, “Did I really just win $400?!” And yeah, you did. That’s a decent prize for a $2 ticket.
6. Four White Balls (Prize: $1,000)
If you manage to match four of the white balls (no Mega Ball), you’ll win $1,000. It’s a solid win. In fact, it's probably enough to take a short trip or splurge on something you’ve been eyeing. The odds of matching four white balls are steep, but it happens.
Odds: 1 in 38,792.
$1,000 can go a long way. It could pay off some bills, take care of a few things around the house, or just be a nice bonus for a fun weekend. Either way, it’s a prize worth celebrating.
7. Four White Balls + Mega Ball (Prize: $20,000)
Now we’re getting into some serious territory. Matching four white balls plus the Mega Ball will earn you $20,000. That’s enough to change things around a bit. Pay off some debts, take a vacation, or make a big purchase. And the odds? Well, you might want to cross your fingers for this one.
Odds: 1 in 931,001.
But hey, it’s definitely not impossible. With 931,001-to-1 odds, you’re still in the running, so don’t lose hope.
Mega Millions – More Than Just the Jackpot
You might be wondering why the jackpot is so hyped up if the smaller wins are already pretty sweet. Well, hitting the Mega Millions jackpot is extremely rare. But that doesn’t mean you’re walking away with nothing! These smaller prizes can still make your day—or week.
Plus, the fun part is that you can always add the Megaplier option for an extra $1. This boosts your non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, or even 5x, depending on what’s drawn. If you win a prize like $20, the Megaplier could give you $40, $60, $80, or $100. So, it’s worth considering if you want a shot at a bigger prize.
Why You Should Still Play (Even for Small Wins)
Okay, let’s get real. No, you’re probably not going to win millions. But getting those smaller wins still feels pretty good. It’s like a little reward for your effort. Plus, think of it like this: even if you only match the Mega Ball and win $10, you can always use that to buy another ticket and keep the dream alive.
What’s cool about these smaller prizes is that they happen way more often than the jackpot. And hey, someone’s got to win, right? Why not you?
Matching one, two, or three numbers in the Mega Millions may not make you an instant millionaire, but it can still put a nice chunk of change in your pocket. Even the smaller wins, like matching just the Mega Ball or one white ball plus the Mega Ball, offer a decent return on your $2 ticket. Sure, the odds of hitting the big jackpot are insane, but the odds of hitting smaller prizes are much better—and that’s something to feel good about.
The next time you buy a ticket, remember: it’s not all about the jackpot. Those small wins could add up to something special too!
Read Also : How has BLACKPINK’s global success shaped the perception of K-pop internationally?