The cost of a Mega Millions ticket will rise from $2 to $5 per play on April 8, marking the first price hike since 2017.
The move is part of a broader revamp aimed at delivering larger jackpots and improved odds for players.
With the price increase, the starting jackpot will jump from $20 million to $50 million, offering bigger potential payouts. Additionally, the overall odds of winning any prize will slightly improve from 1 in 24 to 1 in 23.
Another major change is the automatic inclusion of the Megaplier feature—previously a $1 add-on—in every ticket. The Megaplier multiplies non-jackpot winnings by 2x to 10x, increasing the value of secondary prizes.
Lottery officials say the changes will enhance the game’s appeal and boost prize payouts while maintaining the excitement of massive jackpots. The final drawing under the current $2 ticket structure will take place on April 4, 2025.
“Beyond big jackpots, players told us they want bigger non-jackpot prizes and that’s exactly what this new game delivers,” said Joshua Johnston, Lead Director of the Mega Millions Consortium. “Players who had won $2 in the old game will now take home $10, $15, $20, $25 or $50 under this game.
Mega Millions is one of the most popular lottery games in the U.S., with drawings held twice a week in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The game has produced some of the largest lottery prizes in history, including a record $1.6 billion jackpot won in 2023.
With the upcoming changes, lottery players will pay more to play but could see bigger payouts in return.