The **Mega Millions** winning numbers have been drawn for **Tuesday, December 2, 2025**. The estimated jackpot for this drawing was a substantial **$90 million**, with a cash option valued at **$41.9 million**. As the holiday season approaches, the dream of becoming a multi-millionaire continues to drive lottery fever across the country.
While players await confirmation on whether a jackpot-winning ticket was sold, this comprehensive guide provides all the necessary details regarding the winning numbers, game mechanics, prize tiers, and what happens next for the Mega Millions game.
💰 Official Mega Millions Winning Numbers
Here are the official winning numbers drawn on Tuesday, December 2:
| White Balls (1–70) | Mega Ball (1–24) |
|---|---|
| 17, 25, 26, 53, 60 | 16 |
*Confirmation regarding whether any tickets matched all six numbers to win the $90 million jackpot will be provided by lottery officials shortly after the draw is finalized. We recommend checking the official Mega Millions website for the fastest updates.*
📅 Next Drawing and Ticket Details
If the jackpot remains unclaimed, the prize money will continue to grow for the next draw, which occurs later this week.
- **Next Drawing:** **Friday, December 5**
- **Draw Time:** 11:00 p.m. ET
- **Drawings Schedule:** Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday night.
- **Cost to Play:** A Mega Millions ticket costs **$5**.
- **Ticket Cut-off:** Ticket sales availability varies by state. In Michigan, for example, the deadline for in-store and online ticket purchases is 10:45 p.m. on the night of the draw. Always check your local state lottery rules to ensure your ticket is valid for the draw.
Understanding the Mega Millions Multiplier Feature
Mega Millions utilizes a **built-in multiplier**—a feature that replaced the traditional “Megaplier.” This multiplier is a key aspect of the game, as it significantly increases the value of all non-jackpot prizes, offering players much larger secondary payouts than traditional lottery games.
How the Multiplier Works:
- **Automatic Inclusion:** The multiplier is automatically included and randomly assigned to every single ticket at the time of purchase. You do not need to pay extra for this feature.
- **Multiplier Range:** The non-jackpot prize winnings can be multiplied by **two, three, four, five, or 10 times**, depending on the number drawn. The multiplier is announced alongside the winning numbers.
- **Jackpot Exclusion:** It is critical to remember that the multiplier only applies to prizes below the jackpot tier. It cannot increase the main jackpot prize.
This dynamic system means that even matching a small set of numbers can yield a substantial prize if a high multiplier, such as 10x, is drawn.
Mega Millions Prize Structure and Odds
To play the game, a player must pick six numbers from two separate pools: five different numbers from 1 to 70 (the white balls) and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 24 (the gold Mega Ball). Players can also select the Easy Pick/Quick Pick option to have the numbers computer-generated.
The overall odds of winning any Mega Millions prize are approximately 1 in 24, but the odds of matching all six numbers to win the jackpot are notoriously steep: **1 in 290,472,336**.
Here is the complete guide to the nine prize tiers and the potential multiplier payout range:
| Match Combination | Base Prize | Max Prize with 10x Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Match 5 White Balls + Mega Ball | **Jackpot** | **Jackpot** |
| Match 5 White Balls | $2,000,000 | **$10,000,000** |
| Match 4 White Balls + Mega Ball | $20,000 | **$100,000** |
| Match 4 White Balls | $1,000 | **$5,000** |
| Match 3 White Balls + Mega Ball | $400 | **$2,000** |
| Match 3 White Balls | $20 | **$100** |
| Match 2 White Balls + Mega Ball | $20 | **$100** |
| Match 1 White Ball + Mega Ball | $14 | **$70** |
| Match Mega Ball Only | $10 | **$50** |
These large prize ranges highlight why purchasing a Mega Millions ticket offers more value, even outside of the grand prize, than many other lotteries when the multiplier feature is considered.
🏦 What Happens If You Win the Mega Millions Jackpot?
Winning the Mega Millions jackpot requires a winner to make one of the biggest financial decisions of their life: choosing between the annuity option or the cash option.
1. The Cash Option (Lump-Sum)
- **Description:** This is a one-time, lump-sum payment that is equal to all the cash accumulated in the Mega Millions jackpot prize pool.
- **Value for December 2:** For the $90 million jackpot, the cash option was **$41.9 million** (before applicable federal and state taxes).
- **Benefit:** Provides the winner with immediate access to the full cash amount, allowing for immediate investment or financial structuring.
2. The Annuity Option (30 Annual Payments)
- **Description:** The prize is paid out over 30 installments. It begins with one immediate payment, followed by 29 annual payments.
- **Inflation Protection:** A key feature of the Mega Millions annuity is that each annual payment is structured to be 5% larger than the previous one. According to the Mega Millions website, this system “helps protect winners’ lifestyle and purchasing power in periods of inflation.”
- **Benefit:** Provides a stable, long-term, guaranteed income stream, minimizing tax burdens that might occur with a massive one-time payment.
It is important to consult with financial and legal professionals immediately after claiming a prize to determine the best option based on individual circumstances and tax implications.
Additionally, if two or more people win the jackpot in the same drawing, the advertised prize money (regardless of the chosen payment option) is shared equally among all winning tickets.
Mega Millions vs. Powerball: A Brief Comparison
The lottery world is currently dominated by two games, Mega Millions and Powerball, both offering massive prizes, often rolling simultaneously.
While the focus today is on Mega Millions, its competitor, **Powerball**, is also currently featuring a historic jackpot, now estimated at **$795 million** for the Wednesday, December 3 drawing.
| Feature | Mega Millions | Powerball |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket Price | $5 per play | $2 per play |
| White Ball Range | 1 to 70 | 1 to 69 |
| Bonus Ball Range | 1 to 24 (Mega Ball) | 1 to 26 (Powerball) |
| Jackpot Odds | 1 in 290.47 Million | 1 in 292.2 Million |
| Secondary Prize Multiplier | Built-in Multiplier (up to 10x) | Power Play (up to 10x, $1 extra) |
Mega Millions, despite the higher price point, is often preferred for its larger secondary prizes and the built-in multiplier feature. Conversely, Powerball is generally favored for its lower cost of entry, though the multiplier requires an extra dollar purchase. Both games provide excitement and the potential for life-changing wealth.
To find the winning numbers, you can watch the Mega Millions drawing live on YouTube or check the official websites, including the Michigan Lottery website, after 11 p.m. ET.
