The Mega Millions lottery is one of the most exciting and widely played lotteries in the United States, offering life-changing jackpots twice a week. On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, players had their eyes set on a massive $145 million jackpot, with a cash option of approximately $65.9 million. The winning numbers for this draw were:
Winning Numbers for Tuesday, February 18, 2025
- White Balls: 1, 20, 25, 58, 61
- Mega Ball: 22
- Megaplier: 2x
Players across the country eagerly checked their tickets, hoping to claim the grand prize or at least win one of the other exciting prize tiers.
Did Anyone Win the Jackpot?
As of the latest available information, it was unclear whether any lucky player managed to match all six numbers. If no winning ticket was sold, the jackpot would roll over, increasing for the next drawing scheduled for Friday, February 21, 2025.
Even if the jackpot remained unclaimed, many players likely secured smaller prizes. Mega Millions offers multiple ways to win, with cash rewards ranging from $2 to $1 million—or even higher if the Megaplier option was selected.
How Mega Millions Works
Mega Millions is one of the most popular multi-state lotteries in the United States, with tickets available in 45 states, as well as the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings take place twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 PM Eastern Time.
How to Play Mega Millions
- Select Five White Ball Numbers – Players choose five numbers from a pool of 1 to 70.
- Pick a Mega Ball Number – A single Mega Ball number is selected from 1 to 25.
- Megaplier Option (Optional) – For an extra $1 per play, players can activate the Megaplier, which can multiply non-jackpot winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, or 5x.
- Quick Pick Option – Players who prefer random selections can opt for Quick Pick, where numbers are automatically generated.
- Match and Win – Players must match all five white balls plus the Mega Ball to win the jackpot. However, there are several other prize levels available.
Mega Millions Prize Tiers and Odds
Winning the Mega Millions jackpot is a rare event, but there are many ways to win. Below is a breakdown of the different prize tiers and their corresponding odds:
| Prize Tier | Match Requirement | Odds of Winning | Prize Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackpot | Match 5 White Balls + Mega Ball | 1 in 302,575,350 | $145 Million (Feb. 18) |
| Second Prize | Match 5 White Balls | 1 in 12,607,306 | $1,000,000 |
| Third Prize | Match 4 White Balls + Mega Ball | 1 in 931,001 | $10,000 |
| Fourth Prize | Match 4 White Balls | 1 in 38,792 | $500 |
| Fifth Prize | Match 3 White Balls + Mega Ball | 1 in 14,547 | $200 |
| Sixth Prize | Match 3 White Balls | 1 in 606 | $10 |
| Seventh Prize | Match 2 White Balls + Mega Ball | 1 in 693 | $10 |
| Eighth Prize | Match 1 White Ball + Mega Ball | 1 in 89 | $4 |
| Ninth Prize | Match Mega Ball Only | 1 in 37 | $2 |
If a player purchased the Megaplier option, non-jackpot prizes could be doubled, tripled, or even quintupled, depending on the multiplier drawn.
What Happens if No One Wins the Jackpot?
If no ticket matches all six numbers, the jackpot rolls over to the next drawing, increasing in value. This is how Mega Millions jackpots grow to enormous amounts, sometimes exceeding $1 billion when they go unclaimed for multiple draws.
The highest Mega Millions jackpot in history was $1.537 billion, won by a single ticket in South Carolina in October 2018. Other record-breaking jackpots include:
- $1.348 billion – January 2023 (Maine)
- $1.337 billion – July 2022 (Illinois)
- $1.05 billion – January 2021 (Michigan)
These massive prizes demonstrate the potential for life-changing winnings, making Mega Millions one of the most exciting lotteries in the world.
Tips for Playing Mega Millions
While winning the jackpot is largely a matter of luck, there are a few strategies and tips that might help enhance your lottery experience:
1. Play Consistently
The more drawings you enter, the better your chances of eventually winning a prize. However, always play responsibly and within your budget.
2. Use a Lottery Pool
Joining a group or lottery pool with family, friends, or coworkers can increase your chances of winning. The downside is that any winnings must be shared among the group.
3. Consider Number Selection
Some players prefer to pick their own numbers based on personal significance (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.), while others rely on Quick Pick. Statistically, Quick Picks win about 70% of the time, but this is due to their popularity rather than any mathematical advantage.
4. Check Your Tickets Carefully
Many players forget to check their tickets or mistakenly believe they haven’t won. Always verify your numbers against official results to avoid missing out on a prize.
5. Don’t Forget About Secondary Prizes
Even if you don’t win the jackpot, you could still win a substantial prize. Many people have won $1 million or more without hitting the grand prize.
How to Claim Mega Millions Prizes
If you win a Mega Millions prize, the claiming process depends on the amount won:
- Prizes under $600 can be claimed at any authorized retailer.
- Prizes over $600 typically require a visit to a lottery claim center or submission via mail.
- Jackpot winners must contact their state lottery office to arrange the claim process, and they usually have the option to receive their winnings as a lump sum or annuity payments over 30 years.
Winners should sign their ticket immediately and consult a financial advisor before claiming large sums. Some states allow winners to remain anonymous, while others require public disclosure.
Final Thoughts
The Mega Millions drawing on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, was an exciting opportunity for players to win a massive $145 million jackpot. Even if no one claimed the grand prize, many players likely won smaller prizes that still made a significant difference in their lives.
As the next drawing approaches, lottery enthusiasts will eagerly anticipate whether the jackpot will climb even higher or if a new multi-millionaire will emerge. Whether playing for fun or chasing a dream, Mega Millions remains a thrilling game of chance that continues to capture the imagination of millions.
