The widely enjoyed American lottery game, Mega Millions, is set to stop selling tickets at the $2 price point. Starting in April, each ticket will be priced at $5. This price hike is part of a broader initiative aimed at offering larger jackpots, improved odds, and a more thrilling experience for players, as reported by U.S. media outlets.
This adjustment marks only the second price increase in over 20 years and the first since the current game format was introduced in 2017. "We anticipate seeing more billion-dollar prizes than ever before, leading to more billionaires and many more millionaires as the jackpots continue to grow," stated Joshua Johnston, the director of the Mega Millions consortium.
Key Changes to Mega Millions Starting April 2025
The revamped Mega Millions system will introduce significant changes, transforming the player's experience:
Improved odds for hitting the jackpot: The conditions will be modified to enhance the chances of winning the "big jackpot."
Larger and more frequent payouts: Jackpots will accumulate more rapidly, reaching higher amounts more regularly.
Higher starting jackpots: The top prizes will begin at higher amounts.
Automatic prize multiplier included: Each ticket will now automatically come with a prize multiplier that could be 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X, with the potential to win up to $10 million in secondary prizes.
Minimum prizes exceed ticket value: The possibility of winning the exact ticket price as a prize is eliminated. All guaranteed prizes will exceed the $5 cost of playing.
Possibly the most significant change is the automatic inclusion of the multiplier, which previously required an additional $1. Now, all players will benefit from this feature without any extra cost, thanks to the unified new price.
How and When to Play Mega Millions
Mega Millions drawings are held twice a week, every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
The game is available in 45 U.S. states, along with the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It cannot be played in Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah, or Puerto Rico.
Tickets can be purchased at authorized retailers or online, depending on the laws of each jurisdiction. The deadline for purchasing tickets varies by state but is generally one to two hours before the drawing.
To play, participants must select six numbers: five numbers from 1 to 70, and an additional number called the Mega Ball, ranging from 1 to 25. Matching all the numbers wins the jackpot, but there are other combinations that yield smaller prizes, ranging from $2 to $1 million, not including the multiplier's effect.
How Will Players React?
While the increase to $5 may seem substantial, lottery officials are confident that the changes will be appealing. A consortium spokesperson explained that studies show players are willing to pay more if they know the prizes will be larger and more frequent.
Additionally, the new price aligns Mega Millions with other popular lotteries in the United States, where $5 tickets are common. With this makeover, Mega Millions aims to refresh its image and sustain the interest of millions of players.
The chance to become a millionaire will become more costly, yet more enticing, with better odds and more substantial prizes.
Mega Millions Changes: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new changes to Mega Millions?
The changes include a ticket price increase to $5, improved odds for winning the jackpot, larger and more frequent payouts, higher starting jackpots, and the automatic inclusion of a prize multiplier.
When do the new Mega Millions changes take effect?
The new changes will be implemented starting in April 2025.
How often are Mega Millions drawings held?
Mega Millions drawings take place twice a week, on Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time.