A Mega Millions lottery ticket bought in DeKalb County, Illinois, has made someone $344 million richer this week. The winning numbers drawn on Tuesday evening, March 25, 2025, were 01, 05, 17, 39, and 62, with a Mega Ball of 8, and the "Megaplier" being 2. A ticket matching those exact numbers was purchased at a Casey's General Store in Cortland, located about an hour west of Chicago, according to lottery officials.
This marks just the second large jackpot win for the Mega Millions this year. The first jackpot prize was claimed on January 17 in Arizona, amounting to a comparatively modest $112 million. Since Illinois joined the Mega Millions lottery in 2002, the state has produced 16 jackpot winners, including the first two winners back in May 2002.
As for the latest lucky winner, if they choose the cash option, they will take home just shy of $160 million. The jackpot win comes at an interesting time, as the Mega Millions game is set to undergo a major overhaul starting April 8, 2025, which will include changes to ticket prices and prize structures.
The winning ticket from this week's drawing was the only jackpot-winning ticket sold, while more than 8.8 million tickets won some amount of prize money. Among these, 16 tickets won prizes exceeding $1 million, including tickets sold in Florida and Indiana. This surge in ticket sales reflects the growing excitement surrounding the lottery, especially as the jackpot resets to $20 million for the next drawing on Friday, March 28, 2025.
In terms of the new Mega Millions game structure, ticket prices are set to increase from $2 to $5. Additionally, the odds of winning both the jackpot and non-jackpot prizes will improve, with larger starting jackpots anticipated. The overall odds to win any prize will shift from 1 in 24 to 1 in 23, while the odds of winning the jackpot will change from 1 in 302,575,350 to 1 in 290,472,336.
Furthermore, the new game will feature a built-in multiplier, allowing all non-jackpot wins to multiply their base prize by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X. Previously, players had to pay an additional dollar for the "Multiplier" add-on, which will be eliminated under the new rules. The changes are aimed at enhancing the player experience by providing better odds and more frequent prizes.
Joshua Johnston, lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium, stated, "Beyond big jackpots, players told us they want bigger non-jackpot prizes, and that's exactly what this new game delivers." This sentiment captures the essence of the changes coming to the game, as it aims to meet player expectations and increase engagement.
As for how to play Mega Millions, tickets can be purchased at various locations, including convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In some states, tickets can even be bought online. Players need to select six numbers: five from a pool of white balls numbered 1 to 70 and one from a gold Mega Ball numbered 1 to 25. For those who prefer not to choose their numbers, options like "Quick Pick" or "Easy Pick" allow the system to generate random numbers.
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are approximately 1 in 303 million, while the odds of winning the $1 million prize are about 1 in 12.6 million. However, the overall chance of winning any prize stands at about 1 in 24, making it a game of both luck and strategy.
The excitement surrounding the Mega Millions lottery continues to grow, especially with the prospect of larger jackpots and improved odds. As the new game structure rolls out, players are eagerly awaiting the changes that promise to enhance their chances of winning big.
In summary, the recent Mega Millions jackpot win in Illinois not only brings joy to the lucky winner but also marks a significant moment in the lottery's history as it prepares for a transformative shift. With the next drawing approaching, all eyes will be on the ticket sales and the anticipation of who the next big winner might be.
