Mega Millions jackpot surges to $800 million after Halloween roll; next drawing Tuesday

The Mega Millions jackpot rocketed higher after no ticket matched all six numbers in the Halloween drawing, pushing the grand prize to an estimated $800 million for the next game on Tuesday, Nov. 4. The cash option is roughly $371.7 million before taxes. It’s the largest Mega Millions prize since summer and now within striking distance of the billion-dollar club if it rolls again.

Halloween results: winning numbers and what carried over

The Friday, Oct. 31 winning numbers were 2, 24, 52, 66, 68 and Mega Ball 9. While there was no jackpot winner, the drawing still produced a wave of non-jackpot prizes across nine tiers, including matches of five white balls worth $1 million (and more with Megaplier where applicable). Because the top prize went unclaimed, all that jackpot value rolled into Tuesday’s pot—hence the leap to $800 million.

Mega Millions jackpot: when and how to play

• Next drawing: Tuesday, Nov. 4, at approximately 11:00 p.m. ET (10:00 p.m. CT / 9:00 p.m. MT / 8:00 p.m. PT).

• Ticket cutoff: Varies by state—typically 15 minutes to 1 hour before the draw. Buy ahead; late lines and local cutoffs can trip you up.

• How it works: Pick five numbers (1–70) plus a Mega Ball (1–25). The Megaplier add-on (available in most states) multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2X–5X.

Payout choices and what the big numbers mean

If you hit the Mega Millions jackpot, you choose between:

• Annuity: Paid as one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that grow by 5% each year—designed to protect long-term purchasing power.

• Cash option: A single lump sum—projected at about $371.7 million for Tuesday’s $800 million jackpot—before federal (and possibly state) taxes.

Tax snapshot (general): Federal withholding is typically 24% up front on large lottery wins, with the true top federal rate settled at tax time. Some states levy additional income taxes; a few don’t. Winners should line up a CPA, attorney, and fiduciary advisor immediately and consider privacy protections allowed by their state.

Odds, strategy, and common myths

• Odds of winning the jackpot: About 1 in 302.6 million.

• Any prize: Roughly 1 in 24 across all tiers.

• Quick Pick vs. chosen numbers: Neither improves your odds; both use the same probability math.

• Hot/cold numbers: Past outcomes don’t influence future draws. Random is random.

Practical approach: Set a budget, treat tickets as entertainment, and avoid the “chase”—jackpot size doesn’t change your odds, only the potential payout.

What $800 million means for prize tiers

Even when the jackpot isn’t won, Mega Millions can mint new millionaires via the Match 5 tier ($1 million base, higher with Megaplier) and generate tens of thousands of smaller winners. As jackpots climb, sales spike, which can increase the count of lower-tier winners—but doesn’t alter your personal odds.

Key dates and what to watch

• Tue, Nov. 4: $800 million drawing with ~$371.7 million cash option.

• If no winner: The Mega Millions jackpot would likely push closer to $900 million or more for Friday, amplifying attention into the weekend.

• Holiday timing: Big rollover streaks around early November often fuel record sales; expect longer lines near cutoff.

Smart checklist before you play

1. Know your cutoff. Check your state’s deadline and buy early.

2. Add Megaplier if you value mid-tier boosts. It never applies to the jackpot but can transform a $10 win into $20–$50, and a $1 million Match 5 into $2–$5 million (state rules vary).

3. Safeguard the ticket. Sign the back, make a copy, and store it securely.

4. Plan for a win—before it happens. Identify an attorney and tax pro; review anonymity options in your state.

The Mega Millions jackpot now stands at $800 million for Tuesday night. If it rolls again, the march toward a billion will be on—but for now, one ticket could still turn Halloween week into a life-changer.