Mega Millions, the national lottery jackpot game known for its massive cash prizes, is set for a revamp this April, with changes aimed at offering larger pots and improved odds for players. As reported by WGN-TV, the overhaul includes better odds of winning, the retirement of certain game options like the Megaplier, and a notable increase in ticket prices.
The last draw in the game's current format is scheduled for April 4, with the updated version kicking off on April 8. According to The Hill, non-jackpot prizes won on or before the April 4 drawing will be paid out according to the old structure, despite new payouts taking effect shortly after. Additionally, players should note that the new pricing and prizes will not retroactively apply to tickets purchased before the change.
Improvements to the odds are central to the game's redesign. The probability of winning any of the nine Mega Millions payouts will soon be 1 in 23, a slight increase from the current 1 in 24 chance. This change is due to a decrease in the number of gold Mega Balls—from 25 to 24—offering players a marginally better shot at the jackpot now estimated at 1 in 290,472,336 from the earlier 1 in 302.58 million. "Every non-jackpot win will multiply its base prize by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X or 10X automatically," said game officials in a statement obtained by WGN-TV, eliminating the need for the newly retired Megaplier option.
However, these enhancements come with a price—the cost of a single line of Mega Millions numbers is set to jump from $2 to $5, a significant bump for regular participants. Yet, game officials suggest that with the forthcoming minimum non-jackpot prize set at $10, players will be able to "win more than the cost to play." As emphasized by The Hill, jackpots too will begin at a higher baseline of $50 million, compared to the previous $20 million starting point, fueling expectations for grander prize pools.
While some lottery enthusiasts may welcome the prospect of heftier rewards and improved odds, the price hike and retirement of favored elements like the Just the Jackpot option, may temper excitement for others. Despite these changes, Mega Millions will continue its twice-weekly draws on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 p.m. ET, available across the usual 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
