Mega Millions Set for Major Overhaul in 2025: New Odds, Jackpots, and Ticket Prices
Mega Millions is gearing up for significant changes starting in April 2025. Seven of the game’s top 10 jackpots have occurred since 2021, including five that surpassed the $1 billion mark, a threshold only previously reached in 2018. Now, the lottery is planning a comprehensive overhaul that will affect nearly every aspect of the game, including odds, jackpots, gameplay, payouts, and ticket prices.
“We are creating a game that both our existing players and newcomers will love and get excited about playing,” said Joshua Johnston, the lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium, in a press release to Nexstar on Monday. “We expect to see more billion-dollar jackpots than ever before, leading to the creation of more billionaires and many more millionaires as the jackpots grow. This game will continue the important legacy of supporting great causes wherever Mega Millions is played.”
Key Enhancements Coming in April 2025
Improved Jackpot Odds
While specific details are still under wraps, Mega Millions has confirmed that jackpot odds will be improved. Currently, the odds stand at approximately 1 in 302.6 million, which are less favorable than Powerball’s odds of 1 in 292.2 million. A spokesperson for the Ohio Lottery indicated that the odds would improve to 1 in 290 million, while a representative from the South Dakota Lottery mentioned odds of 1 in 278.4 million.
“Bigger, Faster” Jackpots
Mega Millions aims to provide “bigger jackpots more frequently,” with larger starting jackpots and quicker growth. Since 2017, the starting jackpot has been set at $40 million, but it is currently based on ticket sales, resetting to $20 million. The new starting jackpot is expected to increase to $50 million or more, depending on ticket sales.
The last jackpot, an $810 million prize, was won by a ticket sold in Texas and had been building since June when a $552 million jackpot was claimed in Illinois. Last year saw 10 jackpots, with four winning tickets sold in January 2023 alone.
Built-in Multiplier Feature
Beginning in spring 2025, every Mega Millions player will receive a built-in multiplier that can increase non-jackpot winnings by two, three, four, five, or even ten times. This could potentially lead to payouts of up to $10 million if all five white balls are matched. The multiplier will be randomly generated for each ticket.
Currently, many states offer a separate Megaplier feature that costs an extra $1 per play and increases payouts up to five times, with a maximum payout of $5 million.
Changes to Prizes and Ticket Pricing
The new game format will eliminate “breakeven prizes,” where players win back only the cost of their ticket. The only way to break even now will be by matching the Mega Millions number, unless the multiplier is activated.
The ticket price will also see a significant increase, going from $2 to $5, marking the game’s second price adjustment in its history. This means no prize will be less than $5.
Upcoming Changes
While specific dates for these changes have yet to be announced, more details are expected in the coming months. Currently, the Mega Millions jackpot stands at an estimated $129 million, with a cash value of $62.3 million. Drawings occur every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET, and tickets are available in 45 states and the District of Columbia.
