Mega Millions Lottery Set for Major Overhaul in April 2025; Cost Per Play to Rise to $5

The cost per play will increase to $5, marking only the second price adjustment since the game’s debut in 2002 and the first since 2017.Photo bydylan nolteonUnsplash

Mega Millions, the popular lottery game that has awarded six billion-dollar jackpots, is gearing up for a significant revamp in April 2025. The updated game promises to deliver bigger and faster-growing jackpots, improved odds for players, and enhanced prizes.

Key changes include:

• Improved odds of winning the jackpot
• Bigger and faster-growing jackpots
• Larger starting jackpots
• A built-in multiplier for every play, boosting non-jackpot prizes by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X—up to $10 million for matching the five white balls
• No breakeven prizes—players will always win more than the cost of the ticket

The cost per play will increase to $5, marking only the second price adjustment since the game’s debut in 2002 and the first since 2017.

The California Lottery’s participation is pending approval by the California Lottery Commission, with a public meeting scheduled to review the changes. California Lottery Director Harjinder K. Shergill Chima stated, “With bigger jackpots and better odds, we expect stronger sales, leading to more money for schools.”

Since its launch, Mega Millions has created over 1,300 millionaires and remains a favorite in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.