Do you like games of chance? If so, you need to try your luck at the lottery. Across the country, there are plenty of options for games with incredible prizes, but without a doubt, Mega Millions holds a special place among my favorites. This massive lottery is one of the largest in the U.S. and is available in 45 states, plus DC, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The jackpot starts at $20 million and grows with each drawing without a winner. The largest Mega Millions jackpot ever reached a whopping $1.602 billion.
So, would you dare to try your luck at Mega Millions? Wait, before you make that call, do you know how much does a Mega Millions ticket cost? Stick around because we’re going to tell you.
What is Mega Millions
As I was saying Mega Millions is an exciting multi-state lottery known for its jaw-dropping jackpots that often reach into the billions of dollars. It debuted in 1996 as “The Big Game,” and it wasn’t until 2002 that it adopted the name Mega Millions. Initially, tickets cost just a dollar, but a change introduced in 2017 doubled the cost to $2.
What is the basic cost of a Mega Millions ticket?
The base cost of a Mega Millions ticket is about $2. This price is the same whether you choose the Quick Pick option (let the computer pick the numbers at random) or choose your own numbers.
Mega Millions Extra Play Options
Mega Millions offers two additional play options: Megaplier and Just de Jackpot. Let’s take a look at the price of a Mega Millions ticket with these extra features.
What is the price of a Mega Millions ticket with Megaplier?
For an additional $1, you can add the Megaplier to your Mega Millions ticket for a total cost of $3. This option can significantly increase your non-jackpot prizes by multiplying them by up to 5 times their original amount based on the Megaplier number drawn. So if you hit the Mega Millions Second Prize, you could win up to $5 million with the Megaplier.
What is the price of a Mega Millions ticket with Just the Jackpot?
In some states, a special offer called Just the Jackpot allows players to buy a ticket that is all about the big prize. For just $1 more, you get two exclusive chances to win the jackpot. But choosing this option means going all in on the jackpot and giving up the chance to win other prizes. It’s a go-big-or-go-home scenario; either you hit the jackpot or it’s game over for the other prizes.
This extra feature is not available in all states, so it’s important to check if your jurisdiction offers this option. You can find this information on the lottery website for your jurisdiction. Here’s the link.
Playing Mega Millions Online
If you’re in Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or the District of Columbia, you can grab Mega Millions tickets online. Just sign up with your local lotteries. Also, in New York, you can subscribe to Mega Millions online.
When are the Mega Millions drawings?
Mega Millions drawings are held Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
How late can I buy Mega Millions tickets?
Usually Mega Millions ticket sales end one or two hours before the drawing. However, in some places like Indiana, Georgia and Connecticut you can buy them up to 15 minutes before the drawing.
Where Does Your Money Go When You Buy a Mega Millions Ticket?
Approximately 50% of Mega Millions ticket revenue goes to the lottery’s prize pool. The remaining half is used to pay for retailer commissions, vendor fees, lottery administration, and beneficiaries or good causes chosen by the state.
Summing up…
How much does a Mega Millions ticket cost? The standard price is $2, although it can vary depending on where and how you play. But hey, for an extra dollar you can unlock some cool extras like Megaplier or Just for the Jackpot.
So, ready to grab your Mega Millions ticket?