Mega Millions Winning Numbers: No Pattern or Magic Formula, But Unexpected Oddities

The Mega Millions' lottery is a popular option for those looking to win big prizes, with a current jackpot of $560 million and the chance to win even more. But with the odds stacked against players at 1 in 302,575,350 to match all six numbers, how do you choose the right numbers? Many experts suggest not relying on luck alone – there are other strategies that can improve your chances of winning the coveted prize.

For starters, consider ‘quick pick’ options when purchasing your tickets from a retailer. The automated process randomly selects numbers, greatly reducing the chances of playing the same combination of numbers as someone else. Alternatively, you could keep an eye on past results and patterns – but be aware that the numbers are completely unpredictable!

Johnnie Taylor, 71, from Queens, New York was the lucky winner when the jackpot went all the way up to $476 million back in April. He chose to take the lump sum payment of $157,288,402, and it serves as a great reminder that anything is possible.

To recap, it’s not easy to win the Mega Millions jackpot, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Consider your options carefully, try to avoid repeating combinations, and never be afraid to dream big!

Right now, the Mega Millions jackpot is hovering at an impressive $560 million - a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not to be missed. It’s important to remember that the odds may be stacked against you, but that doesn’t mean it’s hopeless. Whether you choose a ‘quick pick’ from a retailer or create your own combination of numbers, anything is possible if you play your cards right.

The story of Johnnie Taylor – a 71-year-old retired handyman who took home a whopping $157,288,402 from the April 14 draw – serves as a powerful reminder that anyone can become a winner, no matter how unlikely it seems.

Mega Millions players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance to match all six numbers whether the jackpot is $20 million or $1 billion.

Choosing Mega Millions lottery numbers can be so hard.

Many players rely on a "quick pick" automated option when purchasing their tickets from a retailer, some consistently play routine "lucky" numbers and others leave it to chance.

There is no wrong way to choose Mega Millions numbers. There's also no magic formula to pick the winning numbers.

But ... we went back and looked at the winning numbers for every drawing since the jackpot started at $20 million in April. We didn't find a particular pattern. And we were reminded again why the odds are so high.

Some things to know:

According to the Mega Millions website, you have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance to match all five white balls plus the gold Mega Ball. Prizes range from $2 (for matching the Mega Ball) to the grand prize jackpot, which varies. Players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance to match all six numbers whether the jackpot is $20 million or $1 billion.

This Mega Millions' jackpot has rolled over since April 21. Before that, one ticket purchased in New York matched all six numbers to win the $476 million Mega Millions jackpot (cash option was $253.1 million). A retired handyman named Johnnie Taylor, 71 claimed New York's largest Mega Millions prize. He chose to take the lump sum payment of $157,288,402, news reports show. Taylor won the April 14 jackpot after buying the ticket from Liberty Beer and Convenience in Queens, New York. In addition, two tickets from that drawing purchased in Illinois and Massachusetts matched five numbers to win $1 million.

Players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance to match all six numbers whether the jackpot is $20 million or $1 billion.

Here's a look back at Mega Million's winning numbers since the last big jackpot and other details about the jackpots. Check back for updates until the grand prize nets a winner − as of July 12, 2023, the jackpot soared to $560 million.

Mega Millions winning numbers from April to July

Friday, April 21, 2023: 3-21-29-46-63 and the Mega Ball was 9

Tuesday, April 25, 2023: 8-29-46-47-48 and the Mega Ball was 12

Friday, April 28, 2023: 18-38-53-62-64 and the Mega Ball was 20

Tuesday, May 2, 2023: 3-15-16-32-41, and the Mega Ball was 9

Friday, May 5, 2023: 16-18-28-42-43, and the Mega Ball was 11

Tuesday, May 9, 2023: 4-37-46-48-51, and the Mega Ball was 19

Friday, May 12, 2023: 1-2-23-40-45 and the Mega Ball was 15

Tuesday, May 16, 2023: 15-34-36-69-70, and the Mega Ball was 17

Friday, May 19, 2023: 5-11-41-44-55, and the Mega Ball was 14

Tuesday, May 23, 2023: 3-10-22-65-66, and the Mega Ball was 19

Friday, May 26, 2023: 12-20-37-41-64, and the Mega Ball was 1

Tuesday, May 30, 2023: 13-16-40-64-68, and the Mega Ball was 21

Friday, June 2, 2023: 3-16-19-36-60, and the Mega Ball was 25

Tuesday, June 6, 2023: 6-12-23-29-57, and the Mega Ball was 4

Friday, June 9, 2023: 3-19-53-60-68, and the Mega Ball was 13

Tuesday, June 13, 2023: 8-10-19-44-47, and the Mega Ball was 4

Friday, June 16, 2023: 4-24-34-45-57, and the Mega Ball was 19

Tuesday, June 20, 2023: 6-37-39-45-46, and the Mega Ball was 21

Friday, June 23, 2023: 13-62-65-67-69, and the Mega Ball was 14

Tuesday, June 27, 2023: 8-34-35-41-52, and the Mega Ball was 12

Friday, June 30, 2023: 13-22-47-51-55, and the Mega Ball was 9

Tuesday, July 4, 2023: 21-33-54-61-67, and the Mega Ball was 12

Friday, July 7, 2023: 8-10-17-55-66, and the Mega Ball was 3

Tuesday, July 11, 2023: 10-17-33-51-64, and the Mega Ball was 5