Changes are coming to the Mega Millions lottery that will significantly enhance the chances of players winning big. Starting in April 2025, ticket prices will jump from $2 to $5, marking the second adjustment in more than two decades. This price increase will not only accelerate jackpot growth but also raise the starting jackpot from $20 million to an impressive $50 million, according to the Mega Millions Consortium.
The first drawing under the new prize structure is scheduled for 8 p.m. PST on April 8, 2025, following the final drawing of the current version on April 4. If the jackpot is not won on that date, it will roll into the new game. In the event of a win, the jackpot will reset to the higher starting amount of $50 million, which is a notable increase from the previous version.
Joshua Johnston, lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium, emphasized 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 new structure will see players who previously won $2 now able to take home between $10 and $50, while those who won $500 can expect to win between $1,000 and $5,000.
One of the most significant changes is the improvement in overall odds. The new game will feature 24 Mega Balls instead of the current 25, improving the odds of winning any prize from 1 in 24 to 1 in 23. The odds of winning the jackpot will also see an enhancement, decreasing from 1 in 302,575,350 to 1 in 290,472,336.
In addition to better odds, the average jackpot in the new game is projected to exceed $800 million, compared to approximately $450 million in the current game. This change is expected to attract a younger and more casual player base, as interest in the lottery continues to grow.
Moreover, prizes in the new game will range from $10 to $10 million, a significant leap from the current range of $2 to $1 million. This means that every winning ticket will pay at least double the $5 cost for each play, a feature that is likely to entice more players.
In a further enhancement, the Megaplier feature, which previously cost an additional $1 per play, will now be free and unique for each ticket purchased. Players can expect multipliers of up to 10X, which can significantly increase their non-jackpot winnings. For example, if a player purchases two tickets, one may have a 2X multiplier while the other could have a 10X multiplier, adding an exciting new layer to the game.
Despite the improvements, the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot remain slim, at approximately 1 in 302 million. However, this has not deterred players; in 2022 alone, Americans spent a staggering $97.8 billion on lottery tickets. States received a record $97.8 billion in lottery sales that year, paying out $65.2 billion in prizes and generating $28.3 billion in proceeds available for various state programs.
Since its inception in 2002, Mega Millions has produced a remarkable seven winners of billion-dollar jackpots across different states. Since the last change in 2017, more than 1,200 players have become millionaires, averaging three new millionaires each week.
“We expect more billion-dollar jackpots than ever before, meaning creating more billionaires and many more millionaires as the jackpots climb,” Johnston added. This shift not only promises financial gains for players but also continues the important legacy of supporting great causes in states where Mega Millions is played.
As the lottery prepares for its new chapter, players will be eager to see how these changes impact their chances of hitting it big. With larger jackpots and better overall odds, the upcoming version of Mega Millions is set to make waves in the lottery world.
In summary, the Mega Millions lottery is gearing up for a significant transformation in April 2025. With increased ticket prices, a higher starting jackpot, and enhanced odds, players are poised for a more rewarding experience. As excitement builds for the first drawing under the new rules, many hope to join the ranks of millionaires and billionaires that the lottery has created over the years.
