Orlando, Florida, September 18, 2025
News Summary
With no winners in the last drawing, the Mega Millions jackpot has risen to $423 million. The next drawing offers players a chance to win a cash option of $196.5 million. Florida’s enthusiastic lottery players await results, hoping for a life-changing victory without the chance for anonymity if they win.
Orlando, Florida — The Mega Millions jackpot has climbed to an impressive $423 million, following numerous rollovers that have left players across the nation hopeful for a life-changing win. The next drawing is scheduled for Friday, September 19, 2025, at 11 p.m. ET, offering players the chance to vie for a cash option worth $196.5 million.
This recent surge in the jackpot amount is a result of no winners producing a perfect ticket in the previous drawing held on September 12, 2025. Participants in that draw faced odds of 1 in 290,472,336 to snag the grand prize. The winning numbers for the September 12 drawing were 17, 18, 21, 42, and 64, with the Mega Ball being 7. Unfortunately, no one matched all five numbers plus the Mega Ball, resulting in a rollover that has now increased the jackpot to its current level. Additionally, there were no secondary winners in that drawing either.
Prior to the latest drawing, the jackpot had already reached $400 million with a cash option of $185.8 million. This current jackpot marks a significant increase from a prior rollover where the Mega Millions jackpot stood at $381 million. The jackpot was last claimed on June 27, 2025, when a ticket sold in Virginia netted $348 million.
Tickets for the Mega Millions start at $5 and can be purchased at authorized retailers throughout Florida, where lottery games are popular. The lottery draws take place every Tuesday and Friday, including holidays, creating a regular opportunity for players to try their luck. In Florida, winners must claim their prizes within 180 days from the date of the drawing, with those opting for a single-payment cash option having a window of just 60 days.
While players dream of their big win, it’s worth noting that Florida law does not permit winners to remain anonymous. Details such as name and residence are considered public records. However, winners claiming amounts of $250,000 or greater are temporarily exempt from public disclosure for 90 days.
Interestingly, the Mega Millions has a history of substantial jackpots, having reached or surpassed $1 billion on 13 occasions. This long-standing lottery continues to attract attention, especially with its current jackpot size drawing in more players eager for a chance at financial transformation.
For comparison, the Powerball jackpot has also recently increased, currently sitting at $81 million for a drawing scheduled on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Powerball drawings occur every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 11 p.m. ET. The latest Powerball winning numbers for September 17 were 7, 30, 50, 54, and 62, with a Powerball of 20. Notably, a ticket purchased in Fort Myers, Florida, matched five numbers with a Power Play for a substantial $2 million prize.
As excitement builds for the upcoming Mega Millions drawing, Florida players and enthusiasts from all over the nation are poised with their tickets, hoping for a stroke of luck that could dramatically change their lives.
FAQ
What is the current Mega Millions jackpot amount?
The current Mega Millions jackpot is $423 million.
When is the next drawing for the Mega Millions?
The next Mega Millions drawing is on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 11 p.m. ET.
How much is the cash option for the current jackpot?
The cash option for the Mega Millions jackpot is $196.5 million.
When was the last Mega Millions jackpot won?
The last Mega Millions jackpot was won on June 27, 2025, with a ticket in Virginia winning $348 million.
What were the winning numbers for the last draw?
The winning numbers for the September 12, 2025, drawing were 17-18-21-42-64, and the Mega Ball was 7.
What are the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot?
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 290,472,336.
How long do Florida winners have to claim their prize?
Florida lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days from the drawing date, and winners opting for a cash option have 60 days.
Key Features of the Mega Millions
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Jackpot Amount | $423 million |
| Cash Option | $196.5 million |
| Next Drawing | September 19, 2025, at 11 p.m. ET |
| Last Winning Numbers | 17, 18, 21, 42, 64, Mega Ball 7 |
| Odds of Winning Jackpot | 1 in 290,472,336 |
| Ticket Price | $5 |
| Claim Period | 180 days for prizes; 60 days for cash option |
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Additional Resources
- Florida Today: Florida Lottery Results September 17, 2025
- Wikipedia: Lottery
- TCPalm: Powerball Numbers September 17, 2025
- Google Search: Florida Lottery September 2025
- Miami Herald: Lottery News
- Google Scholar: Lottery jackpot
- PJ Star: Mega Millions Numbers September 16, 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lottery
- News-Press: Mega Millions Numbers September 12, 2025
- Google News: Florida Lottery
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