Mega Millions winning numbers as jackpot climbs to $251M for May 15
Fernando Cervantes Jr.The Mega Millions jackpot climbed to $251 million ahead of the drawing on Friday, May 15, giving players a shot at a $112.3 million cash payout.
While two players have already won jackpots in 2026, no recent top winner has reset the game, pushing the prize higher again. Here’s what to know before the next numbers are drawn at 10:59 p.m. ET.
If someone hits the jackpot, they can choose between a one-time lump-sum payment or an annuity that begins with an upfront payout and increases by 5% each year.
Here’s what you need to know about the latest numbers, schedule and how to play.
What are the winning Mega Millions numbers for 5/15/2026?
The winning numbers for Friday’s Mega Millions lottery are 17, 23, 25, 52 and 61. The Mega Ball is 3.
Did anyone win the Mega Millions jackpot?
No one won the Mega Millions jackpot, so the jackpot for the May 19 drawing grows to $277 million.
When is the next Mega Millions drawing?
The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, at 10:59 p.m. ET.
Top 10 Mega Millions Jackpots
- $1.602 billion on Aug. 8, 2023 in Florida
- $1.537 billion on Oct. 23, 2018 in South Carolina
- $1.348 billion on Jan. 1, 2023 in Maine
- $1.337 billion on July 29, 2022 in Illinois
- $1.269 billion on Dec. 27, 2024 in California
- $1.128 billion on Mar. 26, 2024 in New Jersey
- $1.05 billion on Jan 22, 2021 in Michigan
- $983 million on Nov. 14, 2025 in Georgia
- $810 million on Sept. 10, 2024 in Texas
- $656 million on March 30, 2012 in Illinois, Kansas and Maryland
What is Mega Millions?
Mega Millions is a lottery played in 45 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Tickets cost $5, and players choose:
- Five numbers from 1 to 70 (white balls)
- One number from 1 to 24 (the gold Mega Ball)
Jackpots are won by matching all six numbers. If more than one ticket matches, the prize is split among winners.
How to play the Mega Millions
Tickets can be purchased at convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores and, in some states, online.
Players can either:
- Pick their own numbers, or
- Use a Quick Pick/Easy Pick for randomly generated numbers
Each ticket includes a built-in multiplier, boosting non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x or 10x.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.