You’ve got the ticket. The numbers are picked—maybe they’re birthdays, maybe they’re just random "quick picks" that felt lucky in the moment. Now, the clock is ticking toward 11:00 p.m. ET, and you’re standing in your living room with a piece of thermal paper in your hand, wondering exactly what channel is Mega Millions drawing on so you can watch those balls drop in real-time.
Honestly, finding the right channel is kind of a moving target depending on where you live. Since the lottery is a multi-state affair, there isn't just one "Mega Millions Network" that beams it out to everyone. Instead, the drawing is held at the WSB-TV studios in Atlanta, Georgia, and then it’s syndicated out to a patchwork of local news stations across the country.
If you’re lucky, your local ABC, CBS, or NBC affiliate picks it up. If not, you might be stuck refreshing a webpage or waiting for the YouTube upload. Let’s break down exactly how you can find the broadcast tonight without losing your mind.
What Channel Is Mega Millions Drawing On in Your State?
Because there are 45 states (plus D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands) participating in Mega Millions, listing every single local station is basically impossible. However, most major cities have a "designated" lottery station.
In Atlanta, where the magic happens, it’s always on WSB-TV Channel 2. If you’re in Philadelphia, you’re likely looking for WTXF Channel 29 around 11:00 p.m. Up in New York City, WABC-TV Channel 7 is the traditional home for these big drawings.
Here is a quick look at some of the most common stations that broadcast the winning numbers:
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- Chicago: WGN-TV
- Pittsburgh: WPXI Channel 11 (usually around 11:11 p.m.)
- Erie, PA: WJET Channel 24
- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre: WNEP Channel 16
- Harrisburg: WGAL Channel 8
If your city isn't on that short list, your best bet is to check the local news at 11:00 p.m. ET. Most stations that carry the lottery will show the drawing live during the first few minutes of their late-night news broadcast.
Why You Might Miss It on Cable
Sometimes, even if you’re on the right channel, the drawing doesn’t air. Breaking news, sports overruns, or even a local "special report" can bump the lottery drawing to a ticker at the bottom of the screen. If you're a purist who needs to see those physical balls spinning, cable can be a bit unreliable.
How to Watch the Mega Millions Drawing Online
If you’ve cut the cord or your local station decided to air a car commercial instead of your potential retirement announcement, don't worry. The internet has basically made "what channel is Mega Millions drawing on" a secondary question.
The official Mega Millions website has a Watch Latest Drawing page. They usually update this shortly after the 11:00 p.m. ET window. But if you want it live, you should head over to the official Mega Millions YouTube channel. They stream the drawings, and it’s arguably the most reliable way to watch without dealing with local news banter.
For those using apps like Jackpocket or Jackpot.com, they often provide links or internal feeds to the drawing results. It’s pretty convenient, but nothing beats the tension of watching the live stream.
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Time Zones Matter (A Lot)
Don't get caught waiting at the wrong time. The drawing is held at 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time every Tuesday and Friday.
If you’re in Chicago (Central Time), that’s 10:00 p.m.
If you’re in Denver (Mountain Time), it’s 9:00 p.m.
And for the West Coast, you’re looking at your phone or TV at 8:00 p.m.
Most people forget that the ticket sales cut-off happens way before the drawing. Usually, you have to have your ticket in hand by 10:45 p.m. ET, though some states like Pennsylvania or New York have earlier cut-offs at 9:59 p.m. or 10:00 p.m. check your local lottery app so you don't get shut out.
The 2026 Mega Millions Changes You Should Know
It's worth mentioning that the game itself saw some tweaks recently. Starting in April 2025, the ticket price for Mega Millions jumped to $5, and the starting jackpots became significantly larger. The odds haven't gotten any easier, but the prize pools are getting into that "stratospheric" territory more often.
Because of the higher ticket price, there’s actually more scrutiny on the drawings. People want to see the process. The drawings are supervised by the Georgia Lottery and are subject to incredibly strict security protocols. Every ball is weighed, and the machines are tested multiple times before the cameras even start rolling.
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What to Do If You Can't Find the Broadcast
Look, sometimes the tech fails. If you can't find what channel is Mega Millions drawing on tonight, or your Wi-Fi dies right at 10:59 p.m., just breathe.
You can always find the numbers by:
- Checking the official Mega Millions website (megamillions.com).
- Using the lottery scanner on your state's official lottery app.
- Walking back into any retailer that sells tickets; they have a terminal that can print the winning numbers for you.
Honestly, the "scanner" feature on most state apps is the way to go. It eliminates human error. You don't want to be the person who thinks they lost because they misread a "6" as a "9" on a blurry TV screen.
Next Steps for Players:
Verify your local ticket sales cut-off time immediately, as it varies by state. If you missed the live broadcast, wait until 11:15 p.m. ET and refresh the official YouTube channel for the uploaded footage. Finally, always sign the back of your ticket before you check the numbers—if it's a winner, that signature is the only thing proving it's yours.