It’s not just ticket prices: these are the new Mega Millions changes that could give you better odds of winning

Mega Millions is raising the stakes – literally and figuratively. As of April 5, 2025, the price to play the long-running multi-state lottery has more than doubled from $2 to $5 per ticket, marking only the second price hike since the game began in 2002. But this time, you’re not just paying more for the same odds.

With jackpots regularly climbing into the hundreds of millions, Mega Millions has long been a fixture in American lottery culture. Now, it’s undergone a major overhaul – affecting not just your wallet, but how the game works, what you can win, and even your chances of winning.

• Ever wondered how far Mega Millions $1 billion would literally go? Let’s measure it with famous landmarks!

What do you get for your $5 now?

The headline change is the larger jackpots, which Mega Millions says will now start higher and grow faster, with average jackpots projected to surpass $800 million – well above the previous $450 million average. In fact, the first draw under the new rules was worth $54 million.

But it’s not just about the big prize. Under the new format, all non-jackpot prizes have been boosted. The old breakeven $2 prize is gone. Now, the minimum amount you can win is between $10 and $50. Mid-tier payouts have jumped, too. Previously, winning $500 was a solid score. That range has now been adjusted upward to between $1,000 and $5,000.

What’s gone from the Mega Millions?

One thing that’s not coming back? The Megaplier and Just the Jackpot add-ons. Those options have been eliminated entirely, meaning players are left with a single, standard $5 play—though each one now includes a built-in multiplier by default.

Are your chances of winning better now?Yes—technically. The odds of winning any prize have improved slightly, from 1 in 24 to 1 in 23. That’s because the game is now drawing one fewer gold “Mega Ball,” which increases the probability of scoring something. Even the odds of winning the jackpot have shifted, from 1 in 302.6 million to 1 in 290.5 million. Still long, but slightly less astronomical.

Draw times, rules, and where to playMega Millions is available in 45 states plus Washington, DC, and the US Virgin Islands. Drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. PT / 10:00 p.m. CT). You can buy tickets up to two hours before the draw, depending on local rules. Puerto Rico still does not offer the game, nor do Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, or Utah.

To play, you choose five numbers from 1 to 70, plus a Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. Match all six and the jackpot is yours. But even if you don’t hit the top prize, the new structure means you’re much more likely to walk away with something that feels worth the cost of entry. Although not everyone agrees!

Is Mega Millions worth the price increase?

The consortium behind Mega Millions says the changes were driven by player feedback. “Beyond big jackpots, players told us they want bigger non-jackpot prizes and that’s exactly what this new game delivers,” said Joshua Johnston, lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium.

So the next time you throw a fiver at a Mega Millions ticket, you’re not just chasing a billion-dollar dream. You’re betting on a better shot to get something back, even if it’s not the yacht-sized payday.

Related stories

Money

Dollar bills Target is rejecting in April 2025

The price of coffee set to rise

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.