SAN FRANCISCO — Ever think it’s too hard to win a Mega Millions jackpot? Well your odds, ever so slightly, are about to improve as the “new era” of the lottery game kicks off this weekend. But that’s not the only change coming after Friday night’s drawing.
Along with slightly increased chances of winning, the previously announced Mega Millions changes include: larger starting jackpots, increased minimum winnings, faster building jackpots, increased winnings all around and a more expensive ticket.
That’s right, these changes come with ticket prices more than doubling — bringing the cost from $2 to $5 each.
The Mega Millions Consortium estimates the average jackpot win will be more than $800 million under the new rules compared to the current approximately $450 million. They say the increased ticket cost will build the jackpot quicker. Jackpots starting next week now reset at $50 million instead of the usual $20 million.
What are the new Mega Millions odds?
The odds of winning the top prize are technically better, but remain astronomical. The chance of becoming a jackpot winner under the new rules is one in 290,472,336. That’s improved from every one in 302,575,350. This is because one gold Mega Ball was removed from the game, bringing the total from 25 to 24.
“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, in a statement.
Players who used to win $2 by matching one or more numbers will now win between $10 and $50. Those who would’ve won $500 under the old rules will now take home at least double and up to ten times more than previous winnings.
“That’s the kind of value the new Mega Millions will deliver to our players at every single drawing,” said Johnston.
Mega Millions and its lottery compatriot Powerball are sold in 45 states, as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Powerball also is sold in Puerto Rico.
The price increase is the second in 20 years, the last hitting in 2017 and the first drawing under the new rules is set for Tuesday, April 8.
When are Mega Millions drawings?
The first drawing for the new Mega Millions game is Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. Eastern.