Starting April 8, the cost of a Mega Millions ticket will increase to $5 per play, up from the current $2.
This price hike is the second increase in the game’s history, which began over 20 years ago. The last price adjustment took place in 2017 when the current game structure was adopted, according to the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission.
The commission has framed the price rise as part of a “mega” overhaul of the game, promising a more exciting experience for players. The updates aim to offer better odds of winning the jackpot, larger jackpots, and faster jackpot growth.
Among the changes, the new game format will feature a built-in multiplier on each play. This will automatically increase all non-jackpot wins by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X—up to $10 million for matching five white balls.
Additionally, the game will eliminate breakeven prizes. Players will always win more than the cost of the ticket, with the minimum prize set at $10.
The game will also reduce the number of Mega Balls to choose from, from 25 to 24. This change will improve the odds of winning the jackpot, as well as other prizes that involve matching the Mega Ball.
As a result of the adjustments, a new play slip will be required after the April 4 drawing. The final drawing with the current format will be on Friday, April 4, and the first drawing with the new changes will take place on Tuesday, April 8. Multi-draws for the updated game will begin on April 5.
Since Mega Millions launched in 2002, Massachusetts has seen five jackpot winners. The largest prize came in July 2004, when a ticket sold in Lowell won a $294 million jackpot. More recently, Massachusetts players won $33 million in Belchertown and $31 million in Woburn in January 2023.
Mega Millions is played in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings occur every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET in Atlanta.
Since its launch, Mega Millions has generated over $1 billion for Massachusetts cities and towns, state lottery officials reported.
This story is ongoing. Stay tuned for updates.
