Mega Millions, one of the nation's most popular lottery games, is about to get even more exciting. Starting in April 2025, players will enjoy bigger jackpots, better odds, and other awesome benefits. This means more chances to win life-changing prizes while also supporting good causes. If you have ever thought about trying your luck, this might be the perfect time to start.
What's Changing?
- Improved odds: You will have a better chance of winning the top prize.
- Bigger jackpots more often: Look forward to more frequent jumps in prize amounts.
- Larger starting jackpots: The jackpots will begin at a higher amount.
- Faster-growing jackpots: The prize total will climb faster than before.
- Built-in multiplier: Every non-jackpot prize will automatically get multiplied by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X, which could lead to a payout of up to $10 million for matching the five white balls.
- No break-even prizes: Whenever you win, you will always take home more than the cost of your ticket.
According to Joshua Johnston, Lead Director of the Mega Millions Consortium, these changes are designed to make the game more exciting for both loyal fans and newcomers. With jackpots expected to hit the billion-dollar mark more often, there could be more billionaires and millionaires around the country.
New Ticket Price and History
When the new version of Mega Millions launches in April 2025, each ticket will cost $5. This is only the second time the price has changed since the game started over 20 years ago, and it is the first price increase since 2017.
Mega Millions started in 2002 and has already produced six billion-dollar jackpot winners. Since the last update in 2017, more than 1,200 players have won at least $1 million, which is about three millionaires each week.
Where and When to Play
You can buy Mega Millions tickets in 45 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings happen twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 11 p.m. Eastern Time in Atlanta, Georgia. Your ticket purchases also help support good causes, and each state or region decides how to use the money from ticket sales.
Keep an eye out for more news on these big changes, and make sure to mark April 2025 on your calendar. With Mega Millions getting bigger and better, it's an exciting time for lottery players everywhere!