The Mega Millions game will undergo a significant change starting with its first drawing on Tuesday, April 8. The new version promises bigger prizes and better odds, but at a higher cost per ticket.
Tickets will now cost $5, up from the previous price of $2. This is only the second price increase in the game’s history, which started more than 20 years ago. Joshua Johnson, a representative of the Mega Millions Consortium, explained that research indicated players wanted larger jackpots, better odds, faster-growing prizes, and more overall winnings.
Under the new structure, the starting jackpot will be $50 million, up from $20 million. The average jackpot is expected to rise to $800 million, a significant jump from the previous $450 million.
The game also changes the number of Mega Balls in play, reducing it from 25 to 24. This tweak improves the odds of winning, although the chances of hitting the jackpot remain extremely slim.
The new jackpot odds are 1 in 290 million, compared to the previous 1 in 302 million.
Players who buy a single ticket will notice a multiplier (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X) next to their numbers. If they purchase multiple plays, each line will have its own randomized multiplier.
In addition, the prize for matching all five white balls will now range from $2 million to $10 million, up from the previous $1 million. The minimum prize for a win has also increased, now ranging from $10 to $20, compared to the previous $2.
Overall, the odds of winning any prize have improved slightly to 1 in 23, compared to the previous 1 in 24.
Mega Millions tickets are available in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with over 23,000 retail locations in California alone.
For every $5 ticket sold in California, $2 will go to public education, up from the previous 80 cents per $2 ticket.
For those who prefer lower-cost games, Powerball and $1 options like SuperLotto Plus are still available.
