Mega Millions is a multi-state lottery game played in the United States. To play Mega Millions, you must purchase a ticket from a licensed retailer in one of the participating states. The cost of a ticket is $2 per play.

Here's how to play:

1. Choose five numbers from a pool of 1 to 70 for the white balls, and one number from a separate pool of 1 to 25 for the gold "Mega Ball." You can choose your own numbers or opt for a "quick pick," which generates a random set of numbers for you.

2. Choose the number of drawings you want to enter. You can buy tickets for one drawing, or purchase a multi-draw package for up to 10 consecutive drawings.

3. Choose the amount of money you want to wager. The minimum wager is $2 per play, but you can increase your wager by adding additional plays or by adding the Megaplier option for an additional $1 per play. The Megaplier allows you to multiply your non-jackpot winnings by 2, 3, 4, or 5 times, depending on the Megaplier number drawn.

4. Pay for your ticket and keep it in a safe place. Make sure to check your ticket after the drawing to see if you've won a prize.

Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time. To win the jackpot, you must match all six numbers drawn (the five white balls and the gold Mega Ball). There are also smaller prizes for matching some of the numbers, as well as a separate prize for matching the Mega Ball alone.

If you do win a prize, you will need to claim it within the time frame specified by the state in which you purchased your ticket. Prizes must be claimed in the state in which the ticket was purchased, and there are different claim periods for different prize levels.