Answer summary: The latest cut-off times to buy Mega Millions tickets vary by state, but many jurisdictions suspend sales roughly 15 minutes to 15 minutes before the 11:00 PM Eastern draw on Tuesdays and Fridays. Check your specific state's deadline to be sure, as some states have earlier cutoffs or online purchase options with their own rules. Details by common patterns
- General timing: Mega Millions drawings occur on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 PM Eastern Time. Most states stop selling tickets shortly before the drawing, typically in the range of 9:45 PM to 10:45 PM local time, with some variation by state and whether online sales are used. The official guidance from Mega Millions emphasizes checking the local lottery’s cutoff time, since it can differ by jurisdiction.
- Examples of state cutoffs (illustrative ranges):
- Some states suspend sales around 9:45 PM Central or 9:50 PM Eastern, depending on location.
* Michigan and several others commonly report a 10:45 PM cutoff on draw nights, for in-store and online sales.
* New York’s system periodically undergoes maintenance that can affect sales windows, so confirming locally is advised.
- Online vs in-store: In several states, you may be able to purchase Mega Millions tickets online through state lotteries, sometimes with different cutoff times than in-store sales. Always verify whether online options have the same deadline as physical retailers.
What to do now
- Identify your state of residence or where you’ll be purchasing the ticket.
- Check your state lottery’s official Mega Millions page or contact customer service for the exact cutoff time on the draw date you plan to play. If you’re using a third-party app or online platform, confirm its cutoff time as it can be earlier than in-store sales.
- Plan to buy well before the stated deadline to avoid any last-minute issues, especially if traveling across time zones or during maintenance windows.
If you share your state, the exact cutoff time for this Friday’s or Tuesday’s Mega Millions drawing can be provided.
