Wed Apr 09 07:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Mega Millions Ticket Price Doubles, Odds Improve, Jackpots Soar

**DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)** — The Mega Millions lottery is undergoing a significant overhaul, with ticket prices doubling to $5, but promising substantially larger jackpots and improved odds. The changes, effective Tuesday, aim to combat “jackpot fatigue” and differentiate Mega Millions from its competitor, Powerball.

The price increase will allow jackpots to start at $50 million (up from $20 million) and grow faster, with officials predicting more frequent billion-dollar prizes. While the odds of winning the jackpot have improved slightly from 1 in 303 million to 1 in 290 million, non-jackpot winners are also guaranteed at least $10, and a new multiplier feature (previously a $1 add-on) will increase non-jackpot prizes up to tenfold.

Lottery officials expect the higher ticket price and larger jackpots to boost sales, arguing that billion-dollar prizes attract significantly more players. However, some players remain unconvinced, questioning the correlation between jackpot size and their personal interest in playing.

The changes create a key distinction between Mega Millions and Powerball, which retains its $2 ticket price (except in Idaho and Montana). While Powerball offers a similar multiplier option, its minimum prizes will remain lower. Mega Millions will now hold drawings twice a week (Tuesdays and Fridays), while Powerball remains at three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays).

The increased Mega Millions ticket price has prompted some players to reconsider their purchase habits, potentially impacting sales despite the expected rise in jackpot frequency. Despite becoming the nation’s most expensive lottery game, officials remain confident the changes will generate increased revenue for the participating states and territories.

Read More