Mega Millions Drawing Produces Winning Numbers; Jackpot Estimated at $381 Million

The winning numbers drawn in Friday evening’s Mega Millions were 17, 18, 21, 42 and 64, with the Mega Ball 7, lottery officials reported. The estimated jackpot for the drawing was $381 million.

Players who matched the sequence of numbers drawn can claim prizes according to the prize tiers established by Mega Millions. The game offers multiple prize levels for matching some but not all numbers; the jackpot is awarded to a ticket that matches all five white balls and the Mega Ball. Prize amounts for nonjackpot winners are fixed, while the advertised jackpot is the annuity value paid over 29 years, with a smaller lump-sum cash option available to winners.

State lottery commissions and retailers handle ticket sales and prize claims, and winners must follow the claiming procedures and deadlines specific to the jurisdiction where a winning ticket was purchased. Federal taxes apply to lottery prizes, and state and local taxes may also be withheld depending on the winner’s residence and where the ticket was sold. Winners typically receive guidance from lottery officials about confidentiality options, financial counseling and the steps to claim large prizes.

Mega Millions drawings take place twice weekly, and ticket sales close in most states shortly before the drawing. Players in participating states and jurisdictions may purchase tickets at authorized retailers or through state-run online platforms where available. For complete, official results and information about payouts, players should consult their state lottery office or the Mega Millions website.

Large jackpots often spur increased ticket sales and local economic activity at retail locations, prompting extended lines and heightened demand for point-of-sale transactions in some communities. Retailers that sell a jackpot-winning ticket also receive a bonus in many states, and the publicity around large prizes can lead to a temporary uptick in store traffic.

The structure of Mega Millions has remained consistent in recent years: five numbers are drawn from a pool of white balls and one Mega Ball is drawn from a separate pool. Odds of winning the jackpot are long, and lottery officials and economists generally advise players to treat tickets as entertainment rather than an investment strategy. State lotteries typically allocate portions of ticket revenue to education, public works or other state-designated programs; the specific allocation depends on each state’s laws and lottery commission rules.

For the full list of results and information on claiming procedures, players can visit their state lottery website or consult national coverage of the drawing. The numbers and jackpot estimate were reported by ABC News following the Friday drawing.