No one won the $743 million Mega Millions jackpot on Friday, July 24. The winning numbers were drawn, but the grand prize remains unclaimed. A single ticket in California did, however, match five numbers for a $7.3 million prize.
The drawing, held at 11 p.m. ET, offered a cash option of approximately $359.4 million. The jackpot had been rolling over for weeks, driving ticket sales across the nation.
Full Mega Millions Winning Numbers for Friday, July 24
The winning numbers for the July 24, 2026 drawing, as reported by USA TODAY, are:
| Numbers | Mega Ball | Megaplier |
|---|---|---|
| 5, 12, 34, 47, 62 | 9 | 3x |
The jackpot was set at $743 million. The cash value was $359.4 million. Players matching all five numbers plus the Mega Ball would have won the top prize.
Jackpot Breakdown: $743M Up for Grabs – Did Anyone Win?
No ticket matched all six numbers. This means the jackpot will roll over to the next drawing. The $7.3 million California ticket, as confirmed by FOX 11, matched five numbers but missed the Mega Ball. That prize is subject to federal and state taxes.
The rollover effect is significant. The next estimated jackpot is expected to exceed $800 million. Historical data shows that larger jackpots attract more casual players, increasing the odds of a future win.
California’s $7.3 Million Win: Where Was the Ticket Sold?
The winning ticket was sold at a retailer in Los Angeles County, according to the California Lottery. The specific location has not been publicly named. The prize tier is for matching five numbers without the Mega Ball.
The winner has one year to claim the prize. After taxes, the lump sum payout is estimated at around $3.8 million. A Good Day LA segment featured local children answering what they would do with a billion dollars. Answers ranged from “buy an island” to “give it to my mom.” The real $7.3 million win is a more tangible, if less fantastical, reality.
What If You Won? Lessons from the Mega Millions Mania
A $743 million winner should take immediate steps. Sign the ticket. Store it in a safe deposit box. Hire a lawyer and a financial advisor before making any public claim.
The lump sum vs. annuity decision is critical. The annuity pays out over 30 years. The lump sum is roughly 48% of the advertised jackpot before taxes. The children in the Good Day LA segment imagined buying islands. Practical advice: 70% of lottery winners lose their money within five years. Avoid that fate.
Mega Millions Numbers History: Patterns, Hot & Cold Numbers
Statistical analysis of July 2026 drawings shows no clear pattern. The number 12 has appeared twice in the past five draws. The number 47 has not appeared since June.
| Number | Frequency (July 2026) |
|---|---|
| 12 | 2 times |
| 5 | 1 time |
| 47 | 0 times |
Number selection is random. Past results do not influence future draws. Enthusiasts often track “hot” (frequent) and “cold” (rare) numbers, but the odds remain constant.
How to Check Your Mega Millions Ticket: Official Steps & Scams to Avoid
Verify tickets only on official lottery websites: Mega Millions or your state lottery. Authorized retailers also have scanners. Do not rely on social media or third-party apps for official results.
Common scams include emails or calls claiming you won a secondary prize. Never pay a fee to claim a prize. The only trusted sources are the official lottery platforms. USA TODAY and FOX 11 are reliable news outlets, but always cross-check with the lottery’s official site.
Frequently Asked Questions About the July 24 Mega Millions Drawing
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What time was the drawing? | 11 p.m. ET, Friday, July 24, 2026. |
| Can I still buy tickets for the next drawing? | Yes, sales close about an hour before the next draw. |
| How many winners were there in California? | One winner matched five numbers for $7.3 million. |
| What is the tax on a $743M jackpot? | Federal withholding is 24%. State taxes vary. Total effective rate can exceed 40%. |
What’s Next for Mega Millions?
The July 24 drawing ended without a jackpot winner. The $7.3 million California win was the largest secondary prize. The next drawing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28. The estimated jackpot is $810 million.
Check your tickets now. Subscribe to lottery alerts from official sources for the next mega millions numbers update.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What were the Mega Millions winning numbers for July 24, 2026?
- A: The winning numbers were 5, 12, 34, 47, 62, with a Mega Ball of 9 and a Megaplier of 3x.
- Q: Did anyone win the $743 million Mega Millions jackpot on July 24?
- A: No, no ticket matched all six numbers, so the jackpot will roll over to the next drawing, expected to exceed $800 million.
- Q: Where was the $7.3 million winning ticket sold in California?
- A: The ticket was sold at a retailer in Los Angeles County, though the specific location has not been publicly named.
Extended Reading
: Data for this article was sourced from USA TODAY and FOX 11 Los Angeles. The HA Viewpoint project tracks lottery trends and consumer behavior. No patents or proprietary products are referenced.