Starting April 5, Mega Millions players across the United States will see sweeping changes to the popular multi-state lottery game — including a price hike, significantly larger jackpots, better odds, and enhanced prize multipliers. These updates mark the most significant shift in the game since the current format was adopted in 2017 and are designed to draw bigger crowds and create even more multimillionaires.
Mega Millions Ticket Price Rises to $5
For the first time in seven years — and only the second time since the game’s inception over two decades ago — the price of a Mega Millions ticket will increase. Beginning Saturday, April 5, each play will cost $5, up from the current $2.
Lottery officials say the change will help fund the boosted prize structure and support state lottery beneficiaries, which typically include public education, infrastructure, and community programs.
Jackpots Soar: $50 Million Starting Prize
The most eye-catching change? The starting jackpot for Mega Millions will now begin at a whopping $50 million, more than doubling the previous minimum of $20 million.
According to Mega Millions officials, the average jackpot is expected to jump from $450 million to $800 million — a massive leap that will position Mega Millions as one of the most lucrative lottery games globally.
“This is a transformative moment for Mega Millions,” said a representative for the Mega Millions Consortium. “We’re offering players more excitement and life-changing jackpots right out of the gate.”
Improved Odds and Bigger Minimum Payouts
Players will also see a slight improvement in their odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot. The odds of hitting all six numbers will shift from 1 in 302 million to 1 in 290 million — a small but noteworthy improvement that increases the potential for more winners over time.
Meanwhile, the minimum prize payout for any winning ticket will jump from $2 to $10, ensuring that even lower-tier winners see more value for their investment.
New Multiplier Feature Boosts Non-Jackpot Wins
In another game-changing enhancement, every non-jackpot prize will now include a built-in multiplier feature. Each non-jackpot win will be automatically multiplied by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or even 10x, turning modest wins into substantial payouts.
With this new system, secondary prizes will range from $10 up to $10 million — far above the current prize tier that tops out at $1 million.
This multiplier feature builds on the existing “Megaplier” add-on but is now integrated directly into the base $5 ticket, giving every player access to larger prizes without additional cost.
First Drawing with New Mega Millions Rules Set for April 8
The updated Mega Millions format officially launches on Saturday, April 5, with the first drawing under the new rules scheduled for Tuesday, April 8 at 10:50 p.m. ET. As always, players can tune in to watch the live Mega Millions drawing, along with Powerball results, via lottery websites or broadcast partners.
Lottery enthusiasts are encouraged to check with their state lottery agencies for more details on how these changes may be implemented locally, including any updates to subscription services or app-based purchases.
Key Takeaways
- Mega Millions ticket prices increase to $5 starting April 5
- New starting jackpots jump to $50 million
- Average jackpot climbs to $800 million
- Odds of winning improve to 1 in 290 million
- Minimum prize increases to $10
- New multipliers for non-jackpot wins up to $10 million
- First new drawing takes place April 8 at 10:50 p.m. ET
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