The rumors are true… Mega Millions is about to increase its ticket price. The lottery announced that there will be new changes to the rules and structure of the game starting in April 2025. With these updates, Mega Millions promises bigger jackpots and better odds of winning.
But the change everyone’s talking about is the Mega Millions price increase. Until now, tickets cost $2, but starting in April, each game will cost $5 – more than double!
But before you stop playing Mega Millions, let’s break down what you’re getting with this price increase.
Is the Mega Millions Price Increase Worth It?
Let’s dive into what the Mega Millions price increase really means.
For $2, you used to get a shot at one of eight secondary prizes ranging from $2 to $1 million. And, of course, a shot at the jackpot started at $20 million and kept growing if no one won.
With the new changes, tickets will cost $5 per game. But it’s not just a price increase – Mega Millions prizes are going up, too. Starting in April 2025, secondary prizes will increase by up to 75%.
Also, the old “break-even” prize, where you only won back the cost of your ticket, is gone. Now, even the smallest prize will be worth more than the ticket cost.
The best part? The new Mega Millions jackpot will start at – wait for it – $50 million. That’s more than double the previous minimum! According to Joshua Johnston, Lead Director of the Mega Millions Consortium, “…we’re about to see more billion-dollar jackpots than ever“.
The game rules are also changing. You’ll still pick five main numbers from a pool of 1 to 70. But the Mega Ball is getting a tweak. Instead of picking from 1 to 25, you’ll now choose from 1 to 24. This small change improves your odds of hitting the jackpot. Your chances go from 1 in 302 million to 1 in 290 million. It’s a slight increase, but when you’re talking millions, every little bit helps.
What About Megaplier? Will the Price of the Multiplier Increase to?
No – the Mega Millions price increase doesn’t affect Megapliers. In fact, it’s even better… it’s gone.
Wait, what?
That’s right – you no longer have to pay extra to enable Megaplier on your tickets. It’s included in the new ticket price. So every ticket you buy now comes with Megaplier already included.
And that’s not all. In addition to the usual 2x, 3x, 4x, and 5x multipliers, a new 10x multiplier is coming into play. This means that your secondary prizes can be multiplied up to ten times without spending a penny more.
When Will the Mega Millions Price Increase Happen? Mark Your Calendar!
The Mega Millions price increase will officially take effect on Saturday, April 5, 2025. This means that the last draw with the current rules and prices will be on Friday, April 4.
The first drawing with the new Mega Millions changes – including the updated prices and larger prizes – will be on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. But there is one thing that won’t change: The drawing schedule. You can still count on Mega Millions every Tuesday and Friday at 11 pm ET.
Summing up…
Yes, the Mega Millions price increase is happening – but it’s bringing some exciting upgrades that could improve the game. With bigger jackpots, better odds, and the Megaplier now built into every ticket (including a new 10x multiplier), your chances of walking away with a bigger prize look better than ever.
And look – we get it. Changes are tough, especially when they mean spending more money on a game you already love. It’s perfectly normal to feel this way. Honestly, we were surprised, too. But after digging into all the details, this Mega Millions price increase might be worth it.
What do you think? Will the Mega Millions price increase stop you from playing — or are the bigger prizes worth it? Let’s hear what you think below!