Mega Millions drawing: winning numbers from Friday, what rolled over, and what to know before Tuesday’s $800 million jackpot

The Mega Millions drawing on Friday, October 31, produced no grand-prize winner, pushing the jackpot to an estimated $800 million for the next draw on Tuesday, November 4. The cash value is projected at $371.7 million before taxes. Interest is surging as this run stretches back to late June.

Friday’s Mega Millions winning numbers

10/31 drawing: 2, 24, 52, 66, 68 and Mega Ball 9 (Megaplier available in most states).
With no ticket matching all six, lower-tier prizes were paid out across the matrix, including Match 5 tickets in multiple jurisdictions.

Next Mega Millions drawing: date, time, and how it works

• Next draw: Tuesday, November 4, 11:00 p.m. ET (10:00 p.m. CT, 9:00 p.m. MT, 8:00 p.m. PT).

• Jackpot: $800 million (annuity) or $371.7 million cash (one-time).

• Tickets: $2 per play; optional Megaplier (typically +$1) can multiply non-jackpot prizes.

Purchase cutoff times vary by state and usually fall 15 minutes to 1 hour before the draw. If you’re buying close to deadline, ask the clerk to confirm whether your play is for this drawing or the next one.

Payout choices: annuity vs. cash

• Annuity (advertised jackpot): 30 annual payments that rise over time. This option maximizes the stated headline amount and spreads tax liability year to year.

• Cash value: A single payment reflecting the current jackpot fund; smaller up front but immediate.
  Both options are subject to federal taxes and, in most places, state taxes. Consider professional advice before claiming large prizes.

What changed in Mega Millions this year

Game updates implemented earlier in 2025 increased non-jackpot prize amounts and adjusted odds to support faster-growing jackpots. Players now see larger potential payouts at the lower tiers, especially when the Megaplier is added.

Quick guide to prizes and odds (overview)

• Jackpot (5 + Mega Ball): odds ~1 in 302.6 million.

• Match 5 (no Mega Ball): $1,000,000 base prize; with Megaplier, can rise to $5,000,000 where offered.

• Other tiers: winnings range from $2 to thousands of dollars, multiplied when Megaplier is in play.

Practical tips before Tuesday’s $800M draw

• Check your tickets from Friday. Even without the jackpot, many players hit lower tiers or Match 5.

• Buy early. Lines build on high-jackpot days; late purchases risk missing your state’s cutoff.

• Decide your strategy. Quick Pick is fine, but if you use favorite numbers, double-check play slips for mistakes.

• Secure your ticket. Sign the back immediately and store it somewhere safe.

• Know your state rules. Some states allow prize claims to be made anonymously; deadlines to claim vary widely.

What happens if no one wins Tuesday

If the jackpot rolls again, the headline figure could climb rapidly—especially with heightened play volume. Point-of-sale displays may lag behind official estimates on spike days; the official jackpot is updated after ticket sales are tallied.

Responsible play reminder

High jackpots are exciting, but the odds remain long. Set a budget, avoid chasing losses, and treat participation as entertainment.

At a glance

• Last draw (Fri 10/31): 2-24-52-66-68, Mega Ball 9.

• Next draw (Tue 11/4, 11:00 p.m. ET): Estimated $800M ($371.7M cash).

• Cutoff times: State-specific, typically 15–60 minutes before the draw.

• Lower-tier wins from Friday: Check your tickets—many prizes hit even when the jackpot rolls.