A single ticket sold in Holyoke matched all six winning numbers in the September 7, 2026, Megabucks drawing to win a record-breaking $29.71 million jackpot. The winning numbers for the historic drawing were 21, 28, 31, 34, 40, and 44. This win ends a rollover streak that lasted nearly 17 months, with the jackpot accumulating steadily since the previous grand prize win in April 2025.
The $29.71 million prize represents the largest jackpot in the 44-year history of the Megabucks game. The jackpot surpassed the previous record of $21.71 million in early July 2026 and continued to grow through July and August. Unlike the previous record-setting drawing in 1985, where eight players split the $21.71 million prize, this jackpot belongs to a single ticket holder.
Retailer details and payout options
Massachusetts Lottery officials confirmed that the winning ticket was a “Quic Pic,” w terminal randomly generates the numbers. The ticket was purchased at King Mart, located at 494 Westfield Road in Holyoke. This retail location has a history of selling high-value lottery products, including a scratch-off ticket that won a $15 million prize in 2025. The retailer will receive a commission for selling the jackpot ticket.
The ticket holder has exactly one year from the drawing date to claim the jackpot at the Massachusetts Lottery headquarters. The winner must choose between two payout formats:
- An annuity paid out over 30 years, totaling the full jackpot amount of $29.71 million.
- A one-time cash lump-sum payment of approximately $19.6 million.
Both payment options are subject to state and federal tax withholdings. The Massachusetts state tax rate on lottery winnings is 5%, while the federal withholding rate for U.S. citizens is 24%, though the final federal liability may adjust based on the winner’s total annual income brackets.
Megabucks game rules and odds
Megabucks is one of the oldest draw games managed by the Massachusetts Lottery, having launched in November 1982. The game underwent a structural update in 2023 when lottery officials added a Monday drawing to the existing Wednesday and Saturday schedule. This changed the game from a twice-weekly drawing to a thrice-weekly format, which accelerated the jackpot growth rate during rollover cycles.
To play Megabucks, participants select six numbers from a pool of 1 to 44. Tickets cost $2 per play. Players win the jackpot by matching all six drawn numbers, but smaller cash prizes are distributed for matching three, four, or five numbers. The starting jackpot is set at $500,000.
The table below details the prize tiers, matching requirements, and odds of winning for the Megabucks game format:
| Prize Tier | Match Requirement | Estimated Odds of Winning |
|---|---|---|
| Jackpot | Match 6 of 6 | 1 in 7,059,052 |
| Second Prize | Match 5 of 6 | 1 in 30,961 |
| Third Prize | Match 4 of 6 | 1 in 669 |
| Fourth Prize | Match 3 of 6 | 1 in 42 |
How to purchase tickets
Tickets for the Massachusetts Lottery can be bought in person at any authorized physical retail location within the state limits. For players who prefer digital access, third-party lottery courier services offer a compliant alternative. You can order official Massachusetts Lottery tickets online through verified platforms such as Jackpot.com, which purchase physical tickets on behalf of the customer and upload digital scans of the tickets to their accounts.
This payout milestone in Massachusetts joins other recent regional game updates and promotional launches across the United States. For example, the Michigan Lottery launched Daily 5 to adjust its daily draw game options, while neighboring states have introduced promotions like the New Jersey Lottery Pick 6 promotion to increase utility for draw game players. This historic Massachusetts Megabucks win represents one of the longest sustained rollover runs for an in-state draw game in the Northeast region.
Frequently asked questions
What are the odds of winning the Megabucks jackpot?
The odds of matching all six numbers to win the Megabucks jackpot are 1 in 7,059,052. The overall odds of winning any prize in the game are approximately 1 in 39.
Can the winner of the Massachusetts Megabucks remain anonymous?
No. Under Massachusetts public records law, the lottery must disclose the winner’s name, city or town of residence, the date of the win, the game played, and the prize amount. Trust structures may be used by winners to manage assets, but the initial claim data remains subject to state disclosure rules.
How long does the winner have to claim the jackpot?
The winning ticket holder has 365 days from the draw date of September 7, 2026, to claim the $29.71 million prize. If unclaimed after one year, the funds are returned to the state’s lottery distribution fund for local aid.
Play responsibly. Lottery is a form of entertainment, not investment. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, support is available via national and state helplines.
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