MIDDLETOWN, PA – Mega Millions® is getting a dramatic overhaul, and Pennsylvania Lottery players will see bigger jackpots, enhanced prize tiers, and a new ticket price starting with the April 8 drawing, officials announced Friday.
The final drawing under the current Mega Millions® format will take place Friday night. Beginning Tuesday, April 8, players will experience a revamped version of the popular multi-state game, featuring faster-growing jackpots, improved odds, and a built-in multiplier on every ticket.
Key changes include a higher starting jackpot, elimination of breakeven prizes, and a new $5 ticket price. All non-jackpot prizes will now be multiplied by a randomly selected multiplier — ranging from 2X to 10X — with a potential maximum of $10 million for matching all five white balls.
The minimum prize under the new system will always exceed the cost of a ticket. For example, matching just the Mega Ball® with a 2X multiplier will now earn a $10 prize, with higher payouts possible depending on the multiplier drawn.
This marks only the second price increase for Mega Millions® since its 2002 debut, and the first change to its game structure since 2017.
Officials say the updates are aimed at generating larger jackpots more frequently, while also ensuring increased support for senior-focused programs funded through Lottery proceeds.
