California Mega Millions
Latest Mega Millions results and how much you keep after California taxes.
Latest Mega Millions Drawing
Friday, May 22Jackpot: $296M
Drawings every Tue & Fri at 11:00 PM ET · Megaplier optional +$1
California Mega Millions — Take-Home After Taxes
Based on $296M jackpot · Estimated
Cash Lump Sum
Annuity (30 Payments)
California Lottery Information
State tax on winnings
0% — No state tax
Draw days
Tue, Fri at 11:00 PM ET
Ticket price
$2 per play (+$1 Megaplier)
Jackpot odds
1 in 302,575,350
National Mega Millions
Latest results & jackpot
California Scratch-Offs
Ranked by odds & prizes
California Powerball
Tax breakdown & results
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Mega Millions jackpot in California?
The current Mega Millions jackpot is $296M. Mega Millions is available in California along with 44 other states. Drawings are held Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM ET.
How much do you keep from Mega Millions in California?
California does not tax lottery winnings at the state level. On a $296M jackpot lump sum, you'd receive $163M cash value and keep around $103M after 37% federal taxes. California winners keep significantly more than those in high-tax states.
Where can I buy Mega Millions tickets in California?
Mega Millions tickets are available at licensed lottery retailers throughout California, including convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. Each play costs $2, with an optional $1 Megaplier add-on that multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2x–5x.
How do I claim a Mega Millions prize in California?
Prizes up to $600 can be claimed at any authorized California lottery retailer. Prizes over $600 must be claimed at the California Lottery offices. Jackpot winners should contact the California Lottery directly and are strongly advised to consult a financial and tax advisor before claiming.
Does California tax Mega Millions winnings?
No. California does not impose a state tax on lottery winnings, including Mega Millions. You'll owe federal income tax of up to 37%, but California's zero state lottery tax is one of the best in the country.
Mega Millions in California
California participates in the Mega Millions lottery, a multi-state game coordinated by the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL). Tickets cost $2 per play, with drawings every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM Eastern Time.
To win the Mega Millions jackpot, players must match all five white balls (1–70) and the gold Mega Ball (1–25). The overall odds of winning any Mega Millions prize are approximately 1 in 24. The jackpot starts at $20 million and grows until someone wins.
California is highly favorable for lottery winners — the state imposes no income tax on lottery winnings. Only federal taxes apply, making California one of the top states for after-tax lottery payouts. Compare California to high-tax states like New York or Minnesota using our full state-by-state tax comparison.