Oregon — Mega Millions is poised to make someone’s holiday unforgettable, with the jackpot soaring to an estimated $965 million, the largest since Christmas week 2024 and the 8th biggest Mega Millions jackpot in history.
The last time the prize climbed this high was December 2024, when the jackpot reached $862 million on December 20 before being won a week later for $1.269 billion, the fifth-largest Mega Millions win ever.
Since the current run-up began on June 28, Oregon has recorded 654,567 winning tickets, totaling more than $4.3 million in prize payouts. Roughly one-third of all game sales return to Oregon state programs, funding economic development, education, veteran services, state parks, and other public priorities.
“We always see interest and excitement build when our jackpot games grow into record territory,” said Tina Erickson, Oregon Lottery product manager. “It’s fun to see players across Oregon win prizes and boost our support of state programs.”
Oregon Lottery retailers benefit as well, earning commissions on increased ticket sales and bonuses for high-tier wins. A retailer who sells a $1 million prize ticket, for example, receives a $10,000 bonus.
Oregon’s largest Mega Millions win to date is a $4 million prize claimed July 29, 2024, from a ticket purchased in King City.
Mega Millions tickets cost $5 and can be purchased until 6:59 p.m. on drawing days. Drawings occur Tuesday and Friday nights and are played across 45 states, plus Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The Oregon Lottery urges players to sign the back of their tickets and seek trusted financial guidance should they win a major prize. Winners have one year from the draw date to claim prizes.
The Oregon Lottery, celebrating 40 years since its launch in 1985, has generated more than $16.5 billion for schools, parks, veterans, and statewide economic development. More information is available at www.oregonlottery.org.
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