Starting this week, Mega Millions players will pay more for a shot at the jackpot. The price of a single ticket has jumped from $2 to $5, a move lottery officials say is aimed at creating more billion-dollar prizes and boosting player excitement.
The changes, which begin with Tuesday’s drawing, are the most significant overhaul to the game in years. In exchange for the steeper price, players will see slightly improved odds of hitting the jackpot — now 1 in 290 million instead of 1 in 303 million — and a host of new features aimed at increasing overall payouts and participation.
Joshua Johnston, the Washington state lottery director and lead on Mega Millions, said the decision came down to what players want: massive jackpots. He believes the changes will lead to a spike in ticket sales.
Under the new format, jackpots will start at $50 million (up from $20 million) and grow more rapidly between drawings. Non-jackpot prizes will start at a guaranteed $10. Each ticket will also come with a free multiplier — up to 10x — which was previously a $1 add-on. That multiplier doesn’t apply to the jackpot itself but can significantly boost smaller wins.
The lottery industry has been looking for ways to combat “jackpot fatigue,” a trend where only the biggest jackpots generate buzz and drive sales. With the changes, officials expect average jackpots to nearly double — climbing from about $450 million to $800 million — and to see more frequent billion-dollar prize pools.
“When jackpots hit a billion, people stop and pay attention,” Johnston said.
Still, not all players are thrilled. Some longtime participants say they’d rather have more chances at smaller wins. “One person winning $50 million is ridiculous,” said Sandie Yeaman of Omaha, Nebraska. “I’d be satisfied with just $1 million — and so would others.”
At $5 a ticket, Mega Millions is now the most expensive lottery draw game in the U.S. Powerball, by contrast, will stick with its $2 price tag ($3 in a couple of states) and hold drawings three times a week — Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Mega Millions will maintain its twice-weekly schedule on Tuesdays and Fridays.
For players like Saeedith Williams of East Point, Georgia, the new price may change their buying habits. “Maybe I’ll just buy one ticket a week now that it’s $5,” he said.
Outside the U.S., much pricier lottery formats already exist. Spain’s famous El Gordo Christmas lottery charges nearly $22 for a partial ticket and close to $220 for a full one.
Mega Millions is played in 45 states, plus Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. While odds of winning remain astronomical, the money raised goes toward public services like education and scholarships. Each state determines how its lottery proceeds are spent.
