Get Set for Mega Millions Changes From April 5
You’ll notice some new features to Mega Millions from April 5, with bosses hoping that it will attract new players and also appeal to loyal fans of the game.
Mega Millions has followed the same format since its last significant change in October 2017. It is a format that has proved to be very popular and created record-breaking jackpots that have topped $1.6 billion.
It also closely resembles the other multi-state lottery Powerball, but there will be some key differences going forward.
Bigger Jackpots and Better Odds
One change will be the ticket price, which is going up from $2 to $5 after the drawing on April 4. In exchange for a higher cost, there will be bigger jackpots, better odds and more excitement.
A tweak to the matrix will see one of the Mega Balls reduced from the range of numbers, so it will become a 5/70 + 1/24 game rather than 5/70 + 1/25. This improves the odds of winning the jackpot and also boosts your overall chances of winning a prize.
The optional Megaplier that is currently available will be replaced by a built-in multiplier. This will be generated at random when you buy your ticket and could be 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X or even 10X. If you win a non-jackpot prize, it will be increased by the value of the multiplier shown on your ticket.
Some of the prize amounts are being increased and, with the new multiplier, it means there will be no more ‘break-even’ prizes. The minimum win will be $10 for matching just the Mega Ball and having a 2X multiplier.
The starting jackpot will be raised from $20 million to a proposed $50 million, and the top prize is expected to grow more quickly between draws. This should also lead to bigger jackpots on average, so a new record for the biggest win could be set sometime in the next year or two.
‘Old and New Players Will Love’
Joshua Johnston, Lead Director of the Mega Millions Consortium, said: “We are creating a game that both our existing players and people new to Mega Millions will love and get excited about playing.”
Drawings will continue to be held every Tuesday and Friday night after the changes are made, but state lotteries are already starting to step down the number of consecutive drawings you can enter ahead of the big update. It won’t be possible to enter the new $5 Mega Millions until April 5.
In the meantime, make sure you continue to enjoy the $2 game twice a week. See the latest winning numbers after every draw and consider what you might spend your winnings on if you land a multimillion-dollar jackpot.
Published: Friday, January 17, 2025