When Mega Millions announced that the mega jackpot had swelled to $625 million for the Friday, October 17, 2025 drawing, players across 45 states rushed to buy tickets before the 10:45 p.m. Eastern cutoff.
The numbers—56, 48, 21, 27, 9 and Mega Ball 10—were drawn at roughly 11 p.m. Eastern from the October 17, 2025 Mega Millions drawingAtlanta, Georgia at the WSB‑TV studios. Despite the eye‑popping prize, no ticket matched all six numbers, leaving the $625 million pool untouched.
How Mega Millions Works: A Quick Refresher
The game requires picking five numbers from 1‑70 and a Mega Ball from 1‑25. Since the October 2015 matrix change, the odds of hitting the jackpot sit at a steep 1 in 302,575,350, while the overall chance of winning any prize is about 1 in 24.
Tickets cost $5, which now includes an automatic built‑in multiplier that randomly assigns 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X or 10X to non‑jackpot wins. The old Megaplier option—an extra dollar‑upcharge—was retired in 2024, a move the consortium said would simplify play.
The prize structure still rewards a lone Mega Ball match with $2, a single main number plus the Mega Ball with $4, and scales up to six‑figure sums for Match‑5 plus Mega Ball.
Friday’s $625 Million Draw: Numbers and No Winner
After the balls clattered into the transparent drum, the official Mega Millions website posted the results within minutes. “We’re seeing another massive roll‑over, which is exactly what the game’s design aims for when the odds are this long‑shot,” said Jonathan Reed, spokesperson for Mega Millions.
The previous drawing on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 had offered a $600 million prize (cash option $277.2 million) and also failed to produce a jackpot winner. That Tuesday draw did generate two Match‑5 winners in Arizona and Texas, but neither hit the Mega Ball, leaving the top prize untouched.
Because no ticket hit all six numbers on Friday, the $625 million estimate stays on the table, with a cash option pegged at $288.8 million for those who prefer a lump‑sum payment.
Why the Jackpot Has Grown – Statistics and Trends
Rolling over jackpots is a hallmark of Mega Millions. In the last 12 months, the game has produced ten roll‑overs, pushing the prize pool from $400 million in January to the current $625 million.
- October 14 draw: $600 million (cash $277.2 million)
- October 17 draw: $625 million (cash $288.8 million)
- Average weekly ticket sales have risen 13 % since the start of the year, according to the Michigan Lottery.
- States reporting the highest sales spikes include Arizona, Texas, and New York, where players are chasing the historic prize.
Odds haven’t changed, but the built‑in multiplier adds a tantalizing edge for smaller wins. A 5X multiplier on a $200,000 Match‑5 prize can push the payout to a million dollars, a fact that marketers say fuels the weekly surge in ticket sales.
State Reactions and Player Sentiment
Lottery officials across the consortium expressed a mix of optimism and caution. “We’re thrilled that the jackpot continues to attract participation, but we also remind players that responsible play is paramount,” said Arizona Lottery director Maria Gonzalez during a brief press chat.
Meanwhile, the Texas Lottery Commission highlighted the two recent Match‑5 winners, noting that their prizes—$1.1 million and $1.3 million after the multiplier—still represent life‑changing sums even without the Mega Ball.
Players in Michigan reported long lines at retailers on Friday night. “I bought my ticket on the way home from work, hoping maybe this time,” said 42‑year‑old construction supervisor Dave Marshall, a regular player. “Even if I don’t win, the excitement of the draw is worth the $5.”
What’s Next? Upcoming Draws and Odds
The next drawing is slated for Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 11 p.m. Eastern, again from the Atlanta studio. If the jackpot rolls over once more, it could breach the $650 million mark, edging closer to the all‑time Mega Millions record of $1.05 billion set in 2023.
Experts at the Georgia Institute of Technology's Center for Gaming Research note that as jackpots climb, ticket sales typically surge by 20‑30 % in the week leading up to the draw. “The psychological pull of a ‘life‑changing’ sum is a powerful driver, especially when the odds remain constant,” explained Dr. Hannah Lee, a senior analyst.
For those who prefer a more calculated approach, the odds of winning any prize (1 in 24) mean that about one in four tickets will return something, ranging from a free ticket for a Mega Ball match to sizable payouts for a 5‑number match.
Whether the $625 million prize finally finds a winner remains to be seen, but the buzz around the game shows no signs of fading. As long as the jackpot keeps climbing, the nation’s lottery fans will keep lining up at state retailers, hoping the next set of balls will finally line up in their favor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the $625 million jackpot affect ticket sales in participating states?
Sales typically jump 20‑30 % in the days leading up to a record‑size draw. States like Arizona and Texas reported a 25 % surge on Friday, while the Michigan Lottery noted longer lines and higher revenue than the previous week.
What are the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot versus any prize?
The jackpot odds sit at 1 in 302,575,350. By contrast, the overall odds of winning any prize—ranging from a $2 Mega Ball match to multi‑million payouts—are about 1 in 24, according to the official Mega Millions rules.
Why has the Megaplier been replaced with a built‑in multiplier?
The consortium wanted to simplify the ticket‑buying process. The built‑in multiplier is randomly assigned at purchase, eliminating the need for an extra $1 option while still offering 2X‑10X boosts on non‑jackpot wins.
When is the next Mega Millions drawing, and can I play online?
The next draw is on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 11 p.m. Eastern. Most states require tickets to be bought in person at authorized retailers; a few, like Georgia, now allow limited online purchases through state‑approved platforms.
What happens to the jackpot if there’s still no winner?
The jackpot rolls over to the next draw, increasing by the sales revenue generated since the last drawing. That’s why the prize grew from $600 million on October 14 to $625 million on October 17.