How to Read Mega Lotto Results

While many different lotteries exist--including state lotteries, Powerball lotteries, video lotteries, and scratch-n-win lotteries--the Mega Lotto, which goes by the full name Mega Millions Lottery, is played across 41 states plus the District of Columbia. Anyone can access and read the results, whether or not they play the game.

• 1

  Go to the official Mega Millions website, which is listed in the Resources section at the bottom of the page. Click on the tab in the upper left-hand corner that says Winning Numbers. This will lead you to a page where the latest winning numbers are recorded.

• 2

  Look at the top six numbers written in the largest font. Five of these will be in white circles, while the number on the furthest right-hand side will be in gold. These are the most recent winning results.

• 3

  Compare the number in the gold circle on your ticket -- if you are playing -- to the number in the gold circle on the screen. If these two numbers match, you have won at least $2.

• 4

  Compare the numbers on the white part of the ticket to the numbers in white circles on the screen. If any of these match you might have won.

  If 5 white numbers match, you get $250,000.

  If 4 white numbers match, and your gold number also matches, you get $10,000.

  If only 4 white numbers match, you get $150.

  If 3 white numbers match, and your gold number also matches, you get $150.

  If only 3 white numbers match, you get $7.

  If 2 white numbers match, and your gold number also matches, you get $10.

  If only 2 white numbers match, you get nothing.

  If one white number and one gold number match, you get $3.

  If all 5 white numbers and your gold number match, you win the jackpot. The size of your winnings will vary depending on the size of the jackpot that week. Refer to the website for the amount.

• 5

  Sign up for the Mega Millions Online News if you do not want to have to continually return to the website. The winning numbers will be emailed to you. You can sign up on the Mega Millions website.