Yes, if you match only the Mega Ball number in Mega Millions, you do win a prize.
This specific combination, where you correctly select the Mega Ball but none of the five white balls, results in a $2 payout. This is the smallest cash prize available in Mega Millions, providing a return on your ticket even with a partial match.
Understanding Mega Millions Prize Tiers
Mega Millions offers various prize tiers depending on how many numbers you match. While the ultimate goal is to win the jackpot by matching all five white balls and the Mega Ball, smaller prizes are awarded for different combinations.
- Matching only the Mega Ball: This combination is worth $2. It's one of the most common ways to win a cash prize, as the odds of hitting just the Mega Ball are significantly better than matching multiple white balls.
- Other Winning Combinations: Prizes increase with the number of matched white balls, whether or not the Mega Ball is also matched. For example:
- Matching 1 white ball + Mega Ball
- Matching 2 white balls + Mega Ball
- Matching 3 white balls (without Mega Ball)
- And so on, up to the jackpot.
The $2 prize for matching only the Mega Ball serves as a basic winning opportunity, making it possible for players to recover some of their investment or even earn a small profit, contributing to the overall excitement and accessibility of the game.
