The Mega Millions jackpot is up to an estimated $364 million ahead of the Friday, Oct. 9, drawing, giving lottery players another shot at becoming an instant multimillionaire.
A winner who matches all six numbers can choose between the full jackpot paid out over 30 years or a one-time cash option worth an estimated $147.3 million before taxes.
The jackpot has been growing since July 28, when a Florida player won an $800 million Mega Millions prize. According to Florida Lottery officials, the winning ticket was sold at a Wawa convenience store in Bradenton.
With Friday night’s drawing only hours away, here’s what to know.
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What are the winning Mega Millions numbers for Oct. 9, 2026?
USA TODAY will post the winning Mega Millions numbers following the drawing, which is scheduled for 11 p.m. ET Friday.
When is the next Mega Millions drawing?
Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday.
The next drawing after Friday’s game is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 11 p.m. ET.
In this photo illustration, a pile of Mega Millions tickets sit on a counter on July 27, 2026 in San Francisco, California.
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How to play Mega Millions
Mega Millions tickets are sold at convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores and other authorized lottery retailers. Some states also offer online ticket purchases.
Players select five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 24. Those who prefer not to choose their own numbers can purchase a Quick Pick, with numbers generated randomly by the lottery terminal.
Mega Millions tickets now include a built-in multiplier that automatically increases non-jackpot winnings by two, three, four, five or 10 times, depending on the multiplier drawn for that ticket. Previously, players had to pay extra to add the Megaplier feature.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mega Millions hits $364M. Winning numbers tonight
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