On Tuesday nite, one ticket matched the five white balls and the gold Mega Ball to win the first Mega Millions jackpot of 2026.

Last nite, the winning numbers were 16, 21, 30, 35, and 65. Seven was the gold Mega Ball.

Although the retailer's exact location was not revealed, Mega Millions authorities stated that the $533 million winning ticket was sold in Illinois. Powerball players in Illinois are able to buy plays online.

The fortunate winner will have the choice of receiving a one-time cash payment of $244.2 million or the entire annuity value over the course of 30 annual payments.

After Illinois's state tax of 4.95% plus the federal government's 37% cut, the cash option would be reduced to about $141.8 million. The total amount of the annuity would be $310.7 million.

There were other significant winners in Illinois last nite beyond the jackpot winner. Once all five white numbers were matched, another player won a $5 million prize. When their ticket hit the 5X Multiplier, the $1 million was multiplied five times to $5 million.

Fever from the Lottery

According to Mega Millions, the top prize didn't hit at least once in January or February for just the second time in the game's history, with its first jackpot of the year arriving in March. Powerball, which has now struck twice, is catching up on Mega Millions.

A Powerball winner in North Carolina won a $209.3 million jackpot on January 11. Last week, a $250.8 million Powerball jackpot was won in Arkansas on March 3. The Powerball jackpot won by an Arkansas player on March 3 was the second in less than 70 days.

There is a 1 in 292.2 million chance of winning the Powerball jackpot. The odds for winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 290.4 million.

The top prize in the game resets to $50 million for the upcoming drawing on Friday, March 13, after Mega Millions hit last nite. The prize for Powerball's drawing tonight is $58 million.

Lottery Redemption in Illinois

Powerball and Mega Millions jackpot winners must come forward within 60 days of the drawing date in order to collect a lump sum cash payment from the Illinois Lottery. The annuity must be taken by winners who come forward after 60 days.

Because Illinois Lottery statutes allow any prize winner of $250,000 or more to keep their identity private, the winner has the opportunity to stay anonymous.

A $68 million jackpot won in 2002 was the biggest Mega Millions payout that remained unclaimed. The winner never emerged, despite the ticket being sold in New York.