Big changes are coming to Mega Millions — and they’re just around the corner. Starting Tuesday, April 8, the popular multi-state lottery game will get a complete overhaul, including bigger jackpots, better odds, and larger non-jackpot prizes.
According to the Mega Millions Consortium, the revamped game is designed to deliver more excitement and better value for players across all prize tiers.
What’s Changing?
Mega Millions Jackpots Will Start Higher and Grow Faster
Under the new rules, Mega Millions jackpots will now start at $50 million, more than double the current $20 million base. Officials say jackpots will also climb more quickly, with average wins expected to surpass $800 million. That means more billion-dollar jackpots could be on the horizon.
Better Odds of Winning
The number of Mega Balls is dropping from 25 to 24, which improves the odds. Your chance of winning any prize will improve from 1 in 24 to 1 in 23. The odds of hitting the jackpot will also improve — now 1 in 290 million, compared to the previous 1 in 302 million.
Non-Jackpot Prizes Are Getting a Boost
Prizes at every level below the jackpot will increase by 2x to 10x, without requiring the current optional megaplier. Under the new format, a ticket that would have won $1 million could now pay up to $10 million, and a $2 win could jump to as much as $50.
That’s a major shift from the current prize matrix, which requires players to pay an additional $1 per play to activate a multiplier.
Ticket Prices Are Increasing
With all the upgrades, the cost of playing Mega Millions is also going up. Beginning April 8, tickets will cost $5, up from the current $2. This is only the second price increase since the game launched in 2002.
When Does the Change Take Effect?
The last drawing of the current Mega Millions game is scheduled for Friday, April 4. If the jackpot isn’t won, it will roll into the new version of the game. The first drawing under the new rules will be held on Tuesday, April 8 at 11 p.m. ET.
Winners who hold tickets for drawings before April 8 will still receive payouts based on the old prize structure.
How Often Are Drawings Held?
Mega Millions drawings take place twice a week, every Tuesday and Friday at 10:59 p.m. ET.
What Are the Top 10 Mega Millions Jackpots?
- $1.602 billion – Aug. 8, 2023 (Florida)
- $1.537 billion – Oct. 23, 2018 (South Carolina)
- $1.348 billion – Jan. 13, 2023 (Maine)
- $1.337 billion – July 29, 2022 (Illinois)
- $1.269 billion – Dec. 27, 2024 (California)
- $1.128 billion – March 26, 2024 (New Jersey)
- $1.05 billion – Jan. 22, 2021 (Michigan)
- $810 million – Sept. 10, 2024 (Texas)
- $656 million – March 30, 2012 (Three winners in IL, KS, MD)
- $648 million – Dec. 17, 2013 (Two winners in CA, GA)
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