No one won the Mega Millions jackpot on July 18, 2025, causing the prize to jump to $110 million. Check the winning numbers, past winners, and learn how to play.
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Mega Millions Winning Numbers for July 18, 2025: No Winner, Jackpot Climbs to $110 Million
The Mega Millions drawing held on Friday, July 18, 2025, ended without a jackpot winner — yet again. As excitement builds across the country, the jackpot has surged to an estimated $110 million for the next drawing on Tuesday, July 22. With the summer heating up, so too is the chance to strike it rich with America’s favorite multi-state lottery game.
Let’s break down everything you need to know — from the winning numbers and prize options, to how you can play Mega Millions and increase your odds of winning.
🎯 Winning Numbers for July 18, 2025
For those who played in the July 18 drawing, here are the official winning numbers:
White Balls: 11, 43, 54, 55, 63
Gold Mega Ball: 3
Unfortunately, no ticket matched all six numbers, meaning the jackpot continues to grow.
💰 What Happens When No One Wins?
When no one wins the Mega Millions jackpot, the prize rolls over and increases for the next draw. In this case, the jackpot has now climbed to $110 million, with a cash option of approximately $48.5 million (subject to taxes).
This jackpot growth keeps the momentum going for players, drawing attention from occasional players, long-time hopefuls, and even international onlookers.
🧠 Understanding the Jackpot Payout Options
Mega Millions winners have two payout options:
- Annuity Option – Paid out over 30 years with increasing annual payments. This offers a full payout of the advertised amount (e.g., $110 million), before taxes.
- Cash Option – A lump sum, currently estimated at $48.5 million for the upcoming draw.
Most winners opt for the lump-sum payout, though each choice comes with tax implications.
📈 Recap of 2025 Mega Millions Jackpot Winners So Far
Even though July 18 had no grand prize winner, 2025 has already seen four major jackpot wins:
- June 27 – Virginia resident wins $348 million
- April 18 – Ohio player grabs $112 million
- March 25 – Illinois player wins $344 million
- January 17 – Winner in an undisclosed location wins $113 million
These victories show the odds may be slim, but they’re not impossible.
🎟️ How to Play Mega Millions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Mega Millions is simple to play. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Buy a Ticket
Tickets cost $2 each and can be purchased at:
- Gas stations
- Convenience stores
- Grocery stores
- Lottery kiosks
- Online (in participating states via platforms like Jackpocket)
Step 2: Pick Your Numbers
Each ticket allows you to:
- Choose five white-ball numbers from 1 to 70
- Pick one gold Mega Ball from 1 to 25
You can pick your own numbers or opt for a Quick Pick, where the numbers are randomly selected for you.
Step 3: Add the Multiplier (Built-In)
Mega Millions tickets now automatically include a multiplier (2x to 10x), which boosts non-jackpot prizes. Previously, this feature required an additional dollar with the “Megaplier.”

🎁 Prize Tiers and Odds of Winning
While everyone dreams of the jackpot, Mega Millions offers nine total prize tiers, with various odds:
Match | Prize | Odds |
---|---|---|
5 White Balls + Mega Ball | Jackpot | 1 in 302.6M |
5 White Balls | $1,000,000 | 1 in 12.6M |
4 White Balls + Mega Ball | $10,000 | 1 in 931,001 |
4 White Balls | $500 | 1 in 38,792 |
3 White Balls + Mega Ball | $200 | 1 in 14,547 |
3 White Balls | $10 | 1 in 606 |
2 White Balls + Mega Ball | $10 | 1 in 693 |
1 White Ball + Mega Ball | $4 | 1 in 89 |
Mega Ball only | $2 | 1 in 37 |
Even without hitting the jackpot, you can walk away with solid returns.
📱 Where and How to Buy Tickets Online
You can now purchase Mega Millions tickets digitally, thanks to platforms like Jackpocket, the official courier partner of the USA TODAY Network.
Available in states and territories including:
- Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado
- Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts
- Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska
- New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York
- Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico
- Washington, D.C., and West Virginia
Note: Must be 18+ (or legal age in your state) to participate.

🚨 Real Stories of Mega Millions Winners
Let’s take a look at some recent jaw-dropping wins:
- California (2023): A woman claimed a $1.2 billion Mega Millions jackpot in a historic solo win.
- North Carolina (2024): A man bought a $10 scratch-off ticket and won $1 million.
- Michigan (2024): A woman won over $3 million from an online lottery game — while feeding her horses!
- Georgia (2025): A 20-cent lottery bet made a local resident an instant millionaire.
These stories fuel the dream and keep people playing.
🧾 Taxes on Mega Millions Winnings
Winners must report their prize as income. Here’s what to expect:
- Federal Taxes: 24% is withheld immediately; the full rate can go as high as 37%.
- State Taxes: Vary by location. Some states like Florida and Texas have no state income tax, while others (e.g., California, New York) have high rates.
Always consult a tax professional after winning.
🧠 Lottery Strategies: Can You Improve Your Odds?
Though the lottery is largely based on chance, some players believe in certain strategies:
- Avoid consecutive numbers
- Spread your picks across the board
- Use numbers based on frequency or historical patterns
- Play with a syndicate to share tickets and boost chances
- Stay consistent – play the same numbers regularly
No method guarantees a win, but these approaches can add structure and maybe even fun to your plays.
🔒 Is Mega Millions Legit?
Absolutely. Mega Millions is operated by a consortium of state lotteries and is one of the most transparent, regulated lotteries in the U.S. Every drawing is conducted with strict oversight and publicly broadcast.
The Mega Millions game has created hundreds of millionaires (and even billionaires), and billions in revenue go back into public services such as education, health care, and infrastructure.
🧭 When and Where Are the Drawings Held?
Mega Millions drawings take place:
- Every Tuesday and Friday night
- At approximately 11:00 PM Eastern Time
- In Atlanta, Georgia
You can watch live online, on TV, or check the results immediately via the Mega Millions website, lottery apps, or news outlets.
⚖️ Legal Age & Responsible Gambling
To play Mega Millions, you must meet the minimum age requirement:
- 18+ in most states
- 21+ in Arizona
- 19+ in Nebraska
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.
🌐 Mega Millions Online Resources
- MegaMillions.com – Official website for past results, rules, and FAQs
- Jackpocket.com – Buy official lottery tickets online
- USA TODAY App – Get push alerts for lottery results and breaking news
📢 Final Word: Will You Be the Next Winner?
With the Mega Millions jackpot climbing to $110 million, the question remains — will someone finally hit the lucky six?
Millions across the country will be hoping their ticket holds the right numbers. As the odds remain steep but the prize ever-so-sweet, the thrill of Mega Millions continues to grip the nation.
Don’t forget to buy your ticket before 10:45 PM ET on July 22 if you want to join the next drawing. And who knows — the next millionaire might just be you.
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FAQs
Q1: What were the Mega Millions numbers on July 18, 2025?
A: The numbers were 11, 43, 54, 55, 63 and Megaball 3.
Q2: Did anyone win the Mega Millions jackpot on July 18?
A: No. The jackpot rolled over and now stands at $110 million for July 22.
Q3: What is the cash option for the $110 million jackpot?
A: The estimated lump sum payout is $48.5 million before taxes.
Q4: How can I buy Mega Millions tickets online?
A: Use the Jackpocket app if you’re in a supported state. It’s a legal and safe way to order tickets from your phone.
Q5: Is there a way to improve my odds of winning Mega Millions?
A: While there’s no guaranteed method, strategies like playing with syndicates, mixing number ranges, and consistency may increase your chances slightly.
