Massachusetts Megabucks jackpot hits a level unseen since 1986

The Massachusetts Megabucks jackpot for Saturday's May 2 drawing sits at an estimated $16.5 million, or $11.14 million as a cash option. It is the fourth-largest jackpot in the game's 44-year history, and the largest since 1986.

$16.5 million up for grabs

Only three Massachusetts Lottery Megabucks jackpots have ever been larger. The all-time record is $21.7 million, split among eight winning tickets on October 16, 1985. At the time, it was the third-largest jackpot in U.S. lottery history. The second-largest, $21.1 million, was drawn on January 8, 1986. The third largest, $18.2 million, dates back to March 1984.

The current $16.5 million jackpot slots in at fourth. It edges out the 16.35 million won on a single ticket on September 10, 2022, on a ticket sold in Ware, the largest jackpot ever won on a single Megabucks ticket.

The jackpot journey

The jackpot was last hit on April 21, 2025, over a year ago, when a $1.97 million prize was won on a ticket sold in Hyde Park. Since then, no one has matched all six numbers. The jackpot has been climbing ever since.

The Massachusetts Megabucks game's 2023 redesign is also a factor. Massachusetts State Lottery reduced the number pool from 49 to 44, improving the overall odds of winning any prize from 1 in 54 to 1 in 39.3. Non-jackpot prizes doubled. A third weekly drawing, on Monday, was added alongside the existing Wednesday and Saturday draws. The ticket price moved from $1 to $2, and the Doubler feature was dropped. The game reverted to its original name: Megabucks.

The redesign was built to grow jackpots faster and pay out more at every level. It appears to be working.

How to play

Megabucks tickets cost $2 each and are sold only in Massachusetts. Players pick six numbers between 1 and 44, or opt for a Quic Pic for a random selection. Match three, four, five, or all six winning numbers to win a prize.

Tickets for Saturday's drawing are on sale until 9 p.m. ET. Drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 9 p.m. ET.

What else is drawing this weekend?

For players eyeing bigger national jackpots: the Mega Millions jackpot for Friday's drawing is an estimated $178 million ($79.6 million cash option), and the Powerball jackpot for Saturday stands at an estimated $20 million ($9.1 million cash option).

Enjoy the Massachusetts State Lottery, and please play responsibly.