Mega Millions is set to undergo significant changes starting next month, with the aim of enhancing the player experience through bigger jackpots, better odds, and increased non-jackpot prizes. The multistate lottery game announced on Tuesday that after the April 4, 2025 drawing, ticket prices will rise from $2 to $5.
This adjustment marks the second price increase in the game's history, with the first occurring in 2017 when the ticket cost rose from $1 to $2. The new pricing strategy is designed to accelerate jackpot growth, allowing the starting jackpot to increase from $20 million to a minimum of $50 million.
Joshua Johnston, lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium, emphasized the positive impact of the changes, stating, “Beyond big jackpots, players told us they want bigger non-jackpot prizes and that's exactly what this new game delivers.” The average jackpot win is expected to soar to over $800 million, a significant increase from the previous average of about $450 million.
In addition to the price hike, the odds of winning any prize will improve from 1 in 24 to 1 in 23. However, the odds of hitting the jackpot will remain daunting, though slightly better, moving from 1 in 302,575,350 to 1 in 290,472,336. This change is due to the removal of one of the Mega Balls, reducing the total from 25 to 24.
With these changes, players can expect a more rewarding experience. For instance, a ticket that previously won $2 could now yield prizes ranging from $10 to $50. Similarly, those who had won $500 under the old rules could now take home between $1,000 and $5,000. Johnston noted, “Players who had won $2 in the old game will now take home $10, $15, $20, $25 or $50 under this game.”
The introduction of a new random multiplier feature will also enhance non-jackpot prizes, with multipliers ranging from 2X to 10X. Unlike the previous system, where players had to pay an additional dollar for a Megaplier option, the new multiplier will be included in the ticket price.
Mike Silveira, chief of staff at Jackpot!.com, highlighted the potential for more substantial jackpots, predicting, “You’re going to see a lot more billion-dollar jackpots.” Since its inception in 2002, Mega Millions has produced six billion-dollar jackpot winners, and with the new changes, the game aims to attract a younger, more casual player base.
In 2022, Americans spent a staggering $97.8 billion on lottery tickets, with states paying out $65.2 billion in prizes and retaining $28.3 billion in proceeds. The popularity of lottery games remains strong, despite the odds of winning being slim. For context, the odds of being struck by lightning in a lifetime are approximately 1 in 15,300, which is still more favorable than winning the Mega Millions jackpot.
The final drawing of the current Mega Millions game will take place on April 4, 2025, at 11 p.m. Eastern time. If the jackpot is not won, it will roll over into the new game, which will officially launch on April 8, 2025. Players with winning tickets from the current game will still be able to claim their prizes based on the rules that were in effect at the time of their drawing.
As Mega Millions transitions into this new phase, players are reminded to play responsibly. The Florida Lottery advises participants to treat lottery games as entertainment rather than a means to make money. They encourage players to set limits, understand the odds, and seek help if gambling becomes problematic.
In summary, the upcoming changes to Mega Millions are poised to reshape the lottery landscape significantly, promising larger jackpots, improved odds, and a more engaging experience for players. With the first drawing of the revamped game just around the corner, excitement is building among lottery enthusiasts nationwide.
