Yes, if you match only 2 numbers in the Mega Millions drawing, you can still receive a prize! The amount of your prize will depend upon how many other people matched two numbers as well as the amount of the Mega Ball number you choose.
Generally speaking, if no one matches all of the main numbers, the two-number prize will be approximately $5. On the other hand, if someone does win the jackpot prize, then your two-number prize would still be around the same amount since the prize tiers below the jackpot prize remain the same regardless of the jackpot amount.
So, it is possible to receive a payout for matching just two numbers in the Mega Millions lottery.
How much does 3 numbers pay in Mega Millions?
In Mega Millions, the payout for matching all three numbers plus the Mega Ball is $10. Matching just three numbers (without the Mega Ball) will result in a $10 prize regardless of the Mega Ball number or any other numbers matched.
This makes it much easier for players to win a small prize as opposed to most of the other major lotteries that require players to match at least four numbers for a prize.
How many numbers do you need to win anything on Mega?
The exact amount of numbers you need to win on Mega depends on the type of game you are playing. Generally, however, you will need to match at least two main numbers, plus a Mega Ball number, to win a prize.
Additionally, if you match all five main numbers plus the Mega Ball number, you will win the jackpot prize.
Does 3 numbers pay in lotto?
No, it does not. While lottery games vary from place to place, typically a player must choose at least four numbers to be able to participate. Some state-run lotteries may allow players to enter three-number combinations, but it is usually not the standard.
Some lotteries also allow players to choose more than four numbers, which may help increase the odds of winning a grand prize but could also require more money to play. Generally speaking, a player who wants to participate in a lottery game must choose at least four numbers, if not more.
What if you get the Mega Ball only?
Getting the Mega Ball only on a Mega Millions ticket is an admirable accomplishment, however, it does not result in a winning prize. Matching any five numbers plus the Mega Ball will result in a second-tier prize of either $1 million or $3 million depending on whether or not the Kicker feature is activated.
However, if a ticket only matches the Mega Ball this results in a $2 prize. This prize is fixed no matter what and cannot be multiplied in any way as the second-tier prizes can. There are eight other prize tiers that you can win if you match more than the Mega Ball and there are even smaller prizes available if you match fewer numbers and/or the Mega Ball.
Unfortunately, if you only get the Mega Ball, you will not win any of those prizes.
What are the different payouts for Mega Millions?
The payouts for Mega Millions vary depending on how many correct numbers are matched. If a player only matches the Mega Ball number, they will receive a $2 prize. If a player matches two of the numbers, they will receive a $4 prize.
If a player matches three of the numbers, they will receive a $10 prize. If a player matches four of the numbers, they will receive a $500 prize.
If a player matches five of the numbers, they will receive a share of the jackpot prize. How much of that jackpot prize depends on the total amount of money wagered in the pool. Typically, jackpot winners will receive about 70-80% of the monetary prize pool value.
If a player matches all six of the numbers, including the Mega Ball number, they will win the jackpot (where applicable). If no player matches all six of the numbers, the jackpot is added on to the jackpot for the following draw, resulting in larger winnings.
In addition to the prizes above, players in Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas and Virginia can pay an extra $1 to add the Megaplier option to their ticket.
This option increases the value of non-jackpot prizes by a multiple of two, three, four or five, depending on the Megaplier number drawn.