Mega Millions jackpot climbs past $600 million
The U.S. lottery prize has reached its first 2026 level above $600 million, with the next drawing offering a cash option worth far less than the headline amount.
The Mega Millions jackpot has risen above $600 million in the United States, making it the first lottery prize this year to pass that threshold, according to Forbes. The next drawing gives players a chance at a payout that would be smaller if the winner chooses cash instead of the annuity.
Forbes said the prize has now overtaken the $533 million jackpot that was won in March. The latest total reflects a run of drawings without a top-prize winner.
The cash value available to a winner would be below the advertised jackpot because lottery operators spread annuity payments over time. Mega Millions is one of the biggest multistate games in the U.S., with drawings held twice a week.
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