Getty Mega Millions
The Mega Millions lottery jackpot has just bypassed the $500 million mark and is now worth $515 million. But exactly what time does the drawing take place on Friday, May 21? Here’s a look at the time along with how you can watch the drawing on TV.
Mega Millions Drawing & Cutoff Time
The Mega Millions drawing takes place every Tuesday and Friday night at 11 p.m. Eastern. So if you’re wanting to watch the drawing when it happens, here are the times:
- 11 p.m. Eastern
- 10 p.m. Central
- 9 p.m. Mountain
- 8 p.m. Pacific
If you’re watching on TV, some locations broadcast the drawing a little later than the actual drawing time. The Texas Lottery’s online broadcast, for example, typically shows the drawing at 10:12 p.m. Central.
It’s worth noting that the cutoff time for buying new tickets for tonight’s drawing is earlier than the actual drawing time itself. Many retailers stop selling tickets about 15 minutes before drawing time, although some states and locations may stop selling as much as an hour early. That’s why it’s best to call the retailer where you’re buying tickets first if you’re close to the deadline. You can also see Heavy’s story here for details on drawing cutoff times in each state. The cutoff times vary slightly from one state to the next.
How to Watch the Drawing on TV
Here’s a look at how you can watch the Mega Millions drawing on TV. To find out what channel a specific station is on in your region, click here to go to TV Guide’s listings. Then change the “Provider” to your local provider. You’ll be able to scroll down to see what channel number your station is on for you.
Keep in mind that the channel numbers listed below might be slightly different in your region depending on your cable provider, although the broadcasting network (such as whether it is ABC, CBS, NBC, etc.) should still be the same. You’ll also want to keep in mind that none of these times and stations are guaranteed. Sometimes networks will broadcast the lottery drawing only when it’s reached a certain high amount, while others will broadcast consistently. Still others might not show the drawing if there’s something major happening in local news that they need to discuss on the news instead.
According to Lottery Universe and other sources that are listed below, the following channels are likely to show the drawing live as it happens. These are typically your best bet for watching a live Mega Millions drawing on TV. If the network isn’t showing the drawing live, the winning numbers will be posted on Mega Millions’ website shortly after the drawing.
Nationally: In the past, WGN-TV has often aired the drawing live in many locations. WGN-TV has recently been rebranded to NewsNation Now. Use this channel finder to locate the station near you. However, you may want to have a live stream up as a backup. WGN-TV’s local Chicago website still has a live stream that often broadcasts the drawing.
In addition, WSB-TV in Atlanta, Georgia, is where the drawings are actually held. They have a live stream of the newscast that often shares the lottery drawing.
Alabama & Alaska: Alabama and Alaska aren’t listed because the states aren’t participating in lotteries.
Arizona: The Arizona Lottery site has previously noted that players in Tucson can sometimes tune in to KOLD News 13 at 10:25 pm to hear the results.
Arkansas: Looking for a station that broadcasts WGN is your best bet. The Arkansas website has also, in the past, listed drawings as being broadcast on KAIT 8 ABC, CBS 5, and KATV ABC 7.
California: CBS-8 in San Diego, according to LotteryUniverse.
Colorado: Looking for a station that broadcasts WGN is your best bet or watch online.
Connecticut: LottoEdge recommends WCCT-TV in Hartford, CT. Or you can check your numbers on the website or watch online via a live stream.
Delaware: Looking for a station that broadcasts WGN is your best bet, or watch the drawing online at WSB-TV.
Florida: A complete list is here.
- Ft. Myers – WFTX (Fox) and WWDT/Telemundo
- Gainesville – WCJB-ABC
- Jacksonville – WJXX-ABC, WTLV NBC
- Miami/Ft. Lauderdale – WFOR CBS, WBFS MyTV, WLTV (Univision), WAMI TV (Unimas)
- Orlando/Daytona Beach/Melbourne – WKMG-CBS and WTMO/Telemundo
- Panama City – WJHG-NBC
- Pensacola – WFGX-MyTV, WEAR ABC
- Sarasota – WWSB-ABC
- Tallahassee – WTXL-ABC
- Tampa/St. Petersburg – WTSP-CBS and WVEA/Univision
- West Palm Beach – WPBF-ABC, WWHB-TV (Azteca)
Georgia: In Georgia, you have several options that might work. The drawing itself is held at WSB-TV in Atlanta, Georgia, Channel 2, which Lottery Universe recommends. Also recommended are:
- WSB-TV (Atlanta, GA)
- WALB (Albany, GA)
- WJBF (Augusta, GA)
- 13WMAZ (Macon, GA)
- WSAV (Savannah, GA)
- WRBL (Columbus, GA)
Hawaii: Hawaii isn’t listed because the state isn’t participating in the lottery.
Idaho: The Idaho lottery website previously listed these channels, however they are no longer updating this listing, so you might want to look for a backup too:
- Boise – KTVB NBC 7 or Channel 7.2 or KTVCB.com
- Idaho Falls/Pocatello – KPVI-NBC Channel 6 (delayed)
- Lewiston – KLEW-CBS Channel 3/8 (live) (they also noted in January that they broadcast drawings)
- Twin Falls – NBC 7.8 (live) or KTFT-NBC Channel 7 (delayed)
Illinois: Chicago/Statewide – WGN – Channel 9
Indiana: In Indianapolis the following stations are listed.
- Fox59 in Indianapolis (Live)
- South Bend WNDU16 (11:09-11:13 p.m. Eastern)
- Terre Haute WTW02 (Live)
- Fort Wayne WANE15 (Live)
- Evansville WTVW7 (Live)
- Merrillville Lakeshore Public Television (10:28 p.m. Central)
Iowa: According to Iowa’s lottery website:
- Cedar Rapids/Waterloo/Dubuque – KWWL
- Sioux City – KTIV
Kansas: According to Kansas Lottery in a previous update, only KDGL, an independent station broadcasting on Channel 23 in Dodge City, Garden City, Liberal, Ulysses and Sublette, and WDAF-TV Fox 4 in Kansas City, Missouri, broadcast Powerball (and possibly might broadcast Mega Millions.) But this isn’t currently listed on the site, so you may need to have a live stream as a backup.
Kentucky: WGN – According to the Kentucky Lottery website, TV stations are no longer listed and only YouTube channels that aren’t live are suggested (although it previously suggested the local WGN affiliate.) You may want a live stream ready in case it’s not broadcast.
Louisiana: In Louisiana, these stations broadcast lottery drawings:
- Alexandria – KALB Channel 5 (NBC/CBS/CW)
- Baton Rouge – WBRZ 2+
- Lafayette – KATC3
- Lake Charles – KVHP Channel 29 Fox
- Monroe – KARD Channel 14
- New Orleans – WVUE Channel 8 Fox
- Shreveport – KTBS 3 ABC and KPXJ 21 CW
Maine: According to Maine’s lottery website’s previous listing, you can watch the drawing on WAGM – Fox 23 or WABI. However, this hasn’t been updated recently, so you may want to have a live stream backup on hand.
Maryland: WBAL-TV 11
Massachusetts: According to Mass Live, there are no Massachusetts TV stations that air drawings. However, you may be able to watch it anyway if you have access to any of these affiliates: Hartford’s WTIC Channel 61 & WCCT Channel 20 or Derry’s WBIN Channel 18. Or try WGN and have a live stream backup ready.
Michigan
- Detroit – WDIV-TV according to LotteryUniverse
- Grand Rapids – WOOD-TV8, according to LotteryUniverse
- Lansing – WLAJ-ABC, according to LotteryUniverse
- Muskegon – WMKG-CD, according to LotteryUniverse
- North shores – WMKG-CD
Minnesota: Minnesota’s Lottery website had previously noted that the state no longer broadcast Mega Millions live, and now it simply refers people to YouTube for an uploaded video of the drawing (which is added after the drawing occurs.) You might want to try a live stream to watch live. However, ABC 7 did say in January that they often broadcast the drawings, so you might want to check that channel too.
Mississippi: Mississippi’s website recommends watching on YouTube once the drawing is uploaded. Or watch on these channels: WJTV (NBC 12) in Jackson, WXXV 25 (Fox CW) in MS Gulf Coast, WCBI NBC in the Golden Triangle region, NBC 30 WGBC in Meridian, WMDN CBS 24 in Meridian, or WHLT CBS 22 in Hattiesburg.
Missouri: Your best bet might be WDAF-TV Fox 4 or have a live stream ready.
Montana: The state’s own lottery website doesn’t list a channel. Your best bet is likely to watch it online or look for a WGN affiliate or through a live stream.
Nebraska: Nebraska’s lottery website doesn’t list a channel but simply says to watch “on your favorite television station.” So try a local station while also keeping an online live stream ready as a backup.
Nevada: Nevada isn’t listed because the state isn’t participating in the lottery.
New Hampshire: New Hampshire’s lottery website doesn’t list a channel but redirects to YouTube. Your best bet is likely to watch it online via a live stream or look for a WGN affiliate if available.
New Jersey: In New Jersey the website had previously mentioned that PIX11 (New York) and PHL17 (Philadelphia) might broadcast the drawings, but this is no longer listed. You may want a live stream online as backup. However, local news has said that WABC-TV (ABC 7) and WTXF (Fox 29) still air the drawings, so check to see if these stations are available in your region.
New Mexico: The state’s own lottery website doesn’t list a TV station and recommends watching the drawing on YouTube later. Your best bet is likely to watch it online via a live stream or try a WGN affiliate if available.
New York: In New York, some stations listed are from LotteryUniverse and some are from New York’s lottery website. Check with your local station to make sure it will broadcast the drawing.
- Albany – WALB ABC-10
- Buffalo: WUTV 29
- Binghamton – WBNG-12
- Capital Region: WRGB 6 or CW 15
- East Syracuse: WSYR-TV
- Elmira: WETM 18
- Johnson City: WBNG-TV
- New York – ABC-7
- Plattsburgh – WPTZ
- Rochester – WHAM-13
- Syracuse – WSTM 3 or WTVH 5
- Utica: WUTR 20
- Watertown: WSTM 3 or WTVH 5
North Carolina: In North Carolina, you can watch the drawing live on the following stations when available:
- Asheville – WLOS Channel 13
- Charlotte WAXN TV 64/WSOC
- Greenville/New Bern/Washington – WITN Channel 7
- Raleigh – WRAL Channel 5
- The Triad – WGHP Fox 8
North Dakota: North Dakota’s website doesn’t list a station. Your best bet is likely to watch it online or look for a WGN affiliate if available.
Ohio: In Ohio, Mega Millions drawings are broadcast on WGN, but also possibly on these stations:
- Cincinnati: WCPO ABC 9
- Cleveland: WEWS ABC 5
- Columbus: WTTE Fox 28, WSYX ABC 6
- Dayton: WHIO CBS 7
- Huntington: WSAZ NBC 13
- Lima: ELIO Fox 9, EOHL CBS 11, WOHL ABC 12
- Steubenville: WTOV NBC 9
- Toledo: WTVG ABC 13
- Youngstown: WFMJ NBC 21
- Zanesville: WHIZ NBC 18
Oklahoma: Oklahoma doesn’t list TV stations. Your best bet may be to watch it online or look for a WGN affiliate if available.
Oregon: Oregon doesn’t list a TV station. Your best bet is likely to watch it online or look for a WGN affiliate if available.
Pennsylvania: In Pennsylvania, try the following:
- Erie – WJET Channel 24 (at 11:20 p.m.)
- Harrisburg/Lancaster/York – WGAL Channel 8 (at 11:20 p.m.)
- Johnstown/Altoona/State College – WTAJ Channel 10 (at 11:20 p.m.)
- Philadelphia – WTXF Channel 29 (live at 11 p.m.)
- Pittsburgh – WPXI Channel 11 (at 11:11 p.m.)
- Wilkes-Barre/Scranton – WNEP Channel 16 (live at 11 p.m.)
Rhode Island: Rhode Island doesn’t list a TV station. Your best bet is likely to watch it online or look for a WGN affiliate if available. Or try regional stations you can access in Rhode Island, like ABC 7 New York if available.
South Carolina: According to the South Carolina lottery website, these stations were previously listed. It’s not clear if they are still broadcasting live, but they would be worth checking. (Some of these also broadcast Powerball, so they may broadcast Mega Millions too.)
- Aiken/Augusta – WRDW-TV CBS
- Charleston – WCSC – CBS
- Columbia – WLTX – CBS
- Florence/Myrtle Beach – WMBF – NBC
- Greenville/Spartanburg – WHNS – FOX
- Hilton Head – WHHI-TV
- Rock Hill/Charlotte – WMYT – MNT
South Dakota: South Dakota doesn’t list a TV station. Your best bet is likely to watch it online or look for a WGN affiliate if available.
Tennessee: According to Tennessee’s lottery website, these were once listed as broadcasting the drawing but it’s not clear if they still do.
- Chattanooga – WTVC – ABC Channel 9
- Jacksonville – WBBJ – ABC Channel 7
- Knoxville – WBIR – NBC Channel 10
- Nashville – WKRN – ABC Channel 2
- Memphis – WREG – CBS Channel 3
- Tri-cities area – WKPT – ABC Channel 19
Texas: Texas’ website doesn’t list broadcast stations. Your best bet may be to watch online or look for a WGN affiliate or watch online. You can also watch on Texas’ website delayed here.
Utah: Utah isn’t listed because the state isn’t participating in the lottery. Find out more here.
Vermont: According to Vermont’s website, you can sometimes watch on WCAX Channel 3 at 11 p.m. Eastern.
Virginia: In Virginia, watch at the stations below:
- WRIC-TV — Richmond
- WDBJ-TV — Roanoke
- WVEC-TV — Hampton
- WUSA-TV — Northern VA
- WHSV-TV — Harrisonburg
Virgin Islands: Christiansted, St. Croix – ABC WSVI – Channel 8
Washington: Washington doesn’t list a broadcast channel. Your best bet is likely to watch it online or look for a WGN affiliate if available.
Washington D.C. : NewsChannel 8 (according to D.C.’s lottery website in the past.) A station isn’t currently listed.
West Virginia: In West Virginia, try WSAZ NBC 3 in Huntington.
Wisconsin: Wisconsin’s website doesn’t list a broadcast station. Your best bet is likely to watch it online or look for a WGN affiliate if available.
Wyoming: Wyoming’s website doesn’t list a broadcast station. Your best bet is likely to watch it online or look for a WGN affiliate if available.
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