The Mega Millions jackpot for the January 2, 2026 drawing stands at $157 million. No one won the jackpot, but one lucky winner in Pennsylvania matched five balls to win $4 million. Mega Millions is played in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The jackpot for the first Mega Millions drawing of 2026 on Friday Jan. 2 stands at 157 million after no one took home the big prize on Dec. 30. If one lucky person hits the jackpot theyll have two options take home a one-time lump-sum cash payment of 72 million or receive an immediate payment followed by annual checks each 5 larger than the previous year. The Mega Millions saw six different winners in 2025 the latest of which happened on Dec. 2 in New Jersey where one lucky player took home a 90 million jackpot. Here are the winning numbers for Friday Jan. 2 2026. The winning numbers for the Friday Jan. 2 Mega Millions jackpot 6-13-34-43-52 and the gold Mega Ball 4. No one won the Mega Millions jackpot but one lucky winner in Pennsylvania matched five balls to win 4 million. Mega Millions is a lottery played in 45 states the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each ticket costs 5 and players may pick six numbers from two separate pools of numbers - five different numbers from 1 to 70 (the white balls) and one number from 1 to 24 (the gold Mega Ball) - or select Easy PickQuick Pick. You win the jackpot by matching all six winning numbers in a drawing. In the event of multiple jackpot winners the jackpot prize will be shared. In order to play the lottery you need to pick six numbers. Five of them will be white balls numbered 1 to 70. The gold Mega Ball ranges from 1 to 24. If you dont want to go through the hassle of selecting the numbers you can ask for a Quick Pick or an Easy Pick. These options let the computer randomly generate numbers for you. Mega Millions tickets now include a built-in multiplier which increases non-jackpot prizes by two three four five or 10 times. Before players had to pay an extra dollar to add the Megaplier. Mega Millions tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets. You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network in these U.S. states and territories Arizona Arkansas Colorado Idaho Maine Massachusetts Minnesota Montana Nebraska New Hampshire New Jersey New York Oregon Puerto Rico Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers place your order see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer. Winning lottery numbers are sponsored the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18 21 in AZ and 19 in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visitjackpocket.comtos for full terms. (This story has been updated with new information.) Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantesgannett.com and follow him on X fern_cerv_