Mega Millions lottery tickets going up to $5
A new and improved Mega Millions lottery is on the way and the cost of a ticket to the multi-state lotto going up from $2 to $5 starting in April 2025.
Cheddar
- The Mega Millions will launch its new game on Tuesday, April 8.
- Mega Million tickets will soon be $5, up from the current price of $2 per play.
- In the new game, the starting jackpot will be $50 million, up from $20 million in the current game.
The Mega Millions is getting an upgrade.
The Mega Millions will soon establish its “mega” overhaul, which includes higher ticket prices, increased chances to win, larger jackpot starting amounts, and a built-in multiplier in all states. The new game was teased in October 2024 but the details have now been released. The new game starts on April 8.
“Beyond big jackpots, players told us they want bigger non-jackpot prizes and that’s exactly what this new game delivers,” Joshua Johnston, lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium, said in a news release. “Non-jackpot prizes at every level are going up by 2 times to 10 times. That’s the kind of value the new Mega Millions will deliver to our players at every single drawing.”
Here’s what to know about the Mega Millions overhaul.
When is the final drawing of the current game?
The final drawing of the current game is Friday, April 4.
If someone doesn’t win the jackpot on April 4, it will roll into the new game, according to a news release. Players with winning tickets issued for a drawing before the game change and claim their prizes by the deadline set by their participating lottery will be paid based on the prize matrix in effect during the time of the drawing.
Simply put, if a player wins from a ticket issued during the old game, they will receive an old game prize, not a prize from the new game.
When is the first drawing of the new game?
The first drawing of the new game is at 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 8.
How much will new Mega Millions tickets be?
Mega Millions tickets will be more than doubling with the overhaul, at $5 per play. Currently, one ticket is $2.
This is only the second time Mega Millions tickets have increased. The first time was in 2017, when tickets increased form $1 to $2.
Built-in ‘Multiplier’
Though ticket prices are increasing, new Mega Millions tickets will include a built-in ‘Multiplier,” which increases non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, five or 10 times.
Previously, in some states, a Multiplier, known as a “Megaplier,” was available for an extra dollar add-on. Likewise, the “Just the Jackpot” feature available in some states will be retired, according to a news release.
Increased starting jackpot, non-jackpot prizes
In the new game, the Mega Millions starting jackpot is $50 million. This is up from a starting jackpot of $20 million in the current game.
Non-jackpot prizes will also see a bump. These prizes will be between $10 and $10 million, according to a news release. In the current game, non-jackpot prizes are between $2 and $1 million.
Increased overall, jackpot odds
The new, overhauled game will also feature increased odds. The overall odds of the game will be 1 in 23, compared to 1 in 24, according to a news release. And the jackpot odds will be 1 in 290,472,336, compared to 1 in 302,575,350.
How do you play the Mega Millions?
To play the Mega Millions, you first have to buy a ticket. Tickets are sold at a variety of locations, including local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In some states, tickets can be purchased online.
Once you have a ticket, pick six numbers. Five of the numbers will be white balls with numbers from 1-70. The gold Mega Balls will range from 1-24 in the new game, where they previously ranged from 1-25.
If you’d rather let fate decide your luck, you can ask for a “Quick Play” or an “Easy Pick.” These options let the computer randomly generate numbers for you.
Where can you buy Mega Millions tickets?
Mega Millions tickets can be purchased in person at local gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to add new information.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
