Mega Millions ticket price to increase from $2 to $5 in April 2025
Mega Millions is shaking things up! With a ticket price increase to $5, automatic Megaplier, and bigger jackpots, players can expect more chances to win big. Find out how these changes will impact your lottery experience!
Starting April 2025, the price of Mega Millions tickets will increase from $2 to $5, according to lottery officials. This is the second price hike since the game's launch in 2002 and aims to generate larger and more frequent jackpots.
Mega Millions Changes: Better jackpot odds and automatic megaplier for bigger winnings
In addition to the price increase, Mega Millions will introduce changes to improve jackpot odds and eliminate prizes that only match the ticket price. This means that any prize won will now be worth more than the cost of the ticket.
The Megaplier, which was previously optional, will now be automatically included in every play. This feature allows players to multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or even 10x, with a maximum payout of $10 million.
Mega Millions vs. Powerball: Ticket price hike and bigger jackpots ahead
These changes aim to differentiate Mega Millions from other lottery games, such as Powerball, which has no plans to raise its $2 ticket price. Officials believe players will appreciate the chance to win bigger and more frequent prizes, despite the increased ticket cost.
Mega Millions is played in 45 states, as well as in Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET. Players select six numbers: five between 1 and 70, and one between 1 and 25. With these changes, jackpots are expected to grow faster and be awarded more frequently.