Increase and Explanation of Mega Millions Ticket Cost Adjustments
The Mega Millions lottery game has undergone significant changes, starting April 8, 2025, after a price increase from $2 to $5 per play. These alterations aim to deliver larger prizes, more winners, faster jackpot growth, and a simplified game experience.
Key Changes in the Mega Millions Game
Ticket Price Doubled
The ticket price for Mega Millions has been increased to $5 per play, making each ticket potentially more valuable.
Larger Starting Jackpots
The new starting jackpot for Mega Millions is now $50 million, up from previous lower amounts. This means that jackpots can grow faster and bigger, with more frequent occurrences of big jackpots ($700 million+) expected about 9-10 times per year and billion-dollar jackpots 4-6 times every two years.
Built-in Multiplier Feature
A new feature in the Mega Millions game is the inclusion of a built-in multiplier (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X) with every ticket at no extra cost. This multiplier increases non-jackpot prize winnings, with non-jackpot prizes now ranging from $2 million to $50 million.
Improved Odds for Non-Jackpot Prizes
The odds of winning any non-jackpot prize in Mega Millions have improved. The jackpot odds have also improved, with the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot now being approximately 1 in 290.4 million, down from 1 in 303 million.
More Frequent Millionaires
Players can now win up to $10 million before hitting the jackpot, creating more opportunities for millionaires.
Updated Play Slips and Digital Apps
To reflect the changes, play slips and digital apps have been updated. Old play slips will become invalid starting April 5, 2025.
The Mega Millions game is played in 45 states, the US Virgin Islands, and Washington D.C. Drawings remain twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 PM ET. The overall odds of winning any prize in Mega Millions have improved to 1 in 23.
This price increase marks only the second time the Mega Millions game has adjusted its price for more than 20 years. The game underwent a major change since it adopted a new prize matrix in 2017. The Mega Millions game remains one of America's two big jackpot games.
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- With the increased ticket price, the Mega Millions game now offers a more valuable potential investment, especially in casino-and-gambling and lotteries.
- The new game features a built-in multiplier in every Mega Millions ticket, increasing non-jackpot prize winnings from $2 million to $50 million, making it more attractive for players involved in casino-and-gambling, lotteries, and finance.
