States · North Carolina · Mega Millions
Mega Millions in North Carolina
- Next draw
- …
- 11:00 PM ET in North Carolina
- Estimated jackpot
- $321 million
- Cash value $131.1 million
- Price
- $5 per play, multiplier included
- Jackpot odds 1 in 290,472,336
Latest numbers · Tuesday, September 29, 2026
- 10
- 15
- 16
- 27
- 64
- 23
What the jackpot is worth in North Carolina
North Carolina taxes lottery prizes at 3.99%. With the current $321 million estimate, taking the $131.1 million cash option leaves about $77,412,110 after federal and state taxes. With the annuity, the first payment comes to about $2,901,074 after taxes, and all 30 payments add up to about $190,922,092.
Try your own numbers in the tax and payout calculator.
Buying Mega Millions tickets in North Carolina
Yes. The state lottery sells draw-game tickets online to players located in North Carolina.
- Retail sales end at 9:59 p.m. ET for Powerball and 10:45 p.m. ET for Mega Millions on draw nights.
- Players must be 18 or older.
Claiming a Mega Millions prize in North Carolina
- Prizes of $600 or more can be claimed at one of six regional claim centers (Asheville, Charlotte, Greensboro, Greenville, Raleigh and Wilmington) or by mail.
- Claim deadline: Within 180 calendar days of the drawing.
Details on the official North Carolina lottery site.
Questions about Mega Millions in North Carolina
What time is the Mega Millions drawing in North Carolina?
Mega Millions is drawn Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. Eastern, which is 11:00 PM ET in North Carolina.
Can you buy Mega Millions tickets online in North Carolina?
Yes. The state lottery sells draw-game tickets online to players located in North Carolina.
How much tax do you pay on Mega Millions winnings in North Carolina?
Prizes over $5,000 have 24% federal tax withheld, and large prizes can owe up to 37% federal tax in total. North Carolina taxes lottery prizes at 3.99%. On the current estimated jackpot, the lump sum comes to about $77,412,110 after taxes.
How long do you have to claim a Mega Millions prize in North Carolina?
North Carolina's claim deadline: Within 180 calendar days of the drawing.
How old do you have to be to play Mega Millions in North Carolina?
You must be at least 18 to buy lottery tickets in North Carolina.
Powerball in North Carolina · North Carolina online lottery rules
Sources: NC Education Lottery: Claim prizes · NC Education Lottery: Powerball · NC Education Lottery: Mega Millions · NC Lottery: Prize claim privacy notice (PDF) · NC Lottery: Prize claim form, $599 or less (PDF) · NC General Assembly: Senate Bill 402 (2025)