BATON ROUGE, LA – Big changes are coming to Mega Millions this spring, transforming the popular multistate lottery game into a “fast-track” jackpot experience. These enhancements are designed to appeal to players eager for larger jackpots and more dynamic features, according to the Louisiana Lottery.
The revamped Mega Millions will feature a higher starting jackpot of $50 million, more than double the current amount. Average jackpot sizes are projected to reach $803 million, and the odds of winning the jackpot will improve slightly, moving from 1 in 302.5 million to 1 in 290.5 million.
Other changes include the introduction of a built-in prize multiplier for every play, promising larger non-jackpot prizes. With the addition of a 10x multiplier, players could win up to $10 million for matching all five white-ball numbers, significantly increasing prize potential.
Key Upgrades to Mega Millions
- Higher Starting Jackpot: $50 million, more than doubling the current starting amount.
- Improved Odds: Jackpot odds will shift to 1 in 290.5 million, while overall odds of winning any prize will improve from 1 in 24 to 1 in 23.
- Built-In Prize Multipliers: Every ticket will include a multiplier (2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, and now 10x), significantly boosting non-jackpot prizes.
- Eliminating Break-Even Prizes: All winnings will be at least double the ticket cost. For instance, matching just the yellow Mega Ball will now yield prizes ranging from $10 to $50.
Ticket prices will increase from $2/$3 per play to $5 per play, marking the game’s second price adjustment in its 20-year history.
Adjustments Ahead of the Transition
To prepare for the game’s matrix change, the Louisiana Lottery will temporarily suspend the multidraw option after the Jan. 28, 2025 draw. Players can still purchase tickets for future draws, with the multidraw option gradually stepped down until the transition period ends. Sales for the revamped Mega Millions game will resume on April 5, 2025.
A Better Game Experience
Rose Hudson, President of the Louisiana Lottery, emphasized the benefits of the upgraded game. “The new Mega Millions game diversifies our product offerings, giving players even more options to enjoy multimillion-dollar jackpot games all week long. The enhancements are designed to meet the evolving preferences of our players while continuing to generate funds for Louisiana education.”
Multidraw Step-Down Schedule
| Multidraw Option | Last Day to Purchase (by 9:00 p.m.) |
|---|---|
| 20-Draw Ticket | Tuesday, January 28, 2025 |
| 10-Draw Ticket | Tuesday, March 4, 2025 |
| 5-Draw Ticket | Friday, March 21, 2025 |
| 4-Draw Ticket | Tuesday, March 25, 2025 |
| 3-Draw Ticket | Friday, March 28, 2025 |
| 2-Draw Ticket | Tuesday, April 1, 2025 |
Play Responsibly
The Louisiana Lottery reminds players to gamble responsibly. Individuals with gambling concerns can call 1-877-770-7867 for assistance. More information on the new Mega Millions, including prize structures and updates, is available at www.louisianalottery.com.
Since its founding in 1991, the Louisiana Lottery has contributed over $4.8 billion to the state’s K-12 public education system, fulfilling its mission to maximize revenue for the state while maintaining integrity and public trust.