Published on: October 8, 2024, at 08:33 AM.
Last updated on: October 8, 2024, at 08:34 AM.
The cost of a Mega Millions ticket will increase to $5 in April 2025. Lottery enthusiasts are displeased with the changes being referred to as “enhancements” by the Mega Millions Consortium.
The Mega Millions Consortium confirmed on Monday the anticipated increase in ticket price first reported in April by LotteryGeeks.com. The Consortium states that the revamp will enhance players’ chances of winning the jackpot, result in larger jackpots, accelerate jackpot growth, and eliminate breakeven scenarios, ensuring that winners always receive more than the ticket cost.
Joshua Johnston, lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium and director of the Washington Lottery, expressed optimism about the game’s future. He mentioned the expectation of more billion-dollar jackpots, creating more millionaires and billionaires while continuing to support charitable causes in Mega Millions jurisdictions.
One significant change is that each $5 ticket will now include the Megaplier, previously a $1 add-on, automatically multiplying non-jackpot wins by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x, with a maximum win of $10 million for matching the five white balls.
Gameplay Adjustments
The price of a Mega Millions ticket has remained at $2 since October 2017 when the game doubled in price from $1. This change also involved modifying the game’s odds by reducing the number of white balls from 75 to 70 and increasing the gold Mega Balls from 15 to 25.
The alterations in 2017 increased the odds of winning the jackpot from 1 in 258.9 million to 1 in 302.5 million. The 2025 Mega Millions changes will maintain these odds, which are higher than those of Powerball, standing at 1 in 292.2 million.
Mega Millions is available in 45 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Draws are held twice weekly on Tuesday and Friday nights at 11 p.m. EST.
Customer Dissatisfaction
Johnston acknowledges that the 150% increase in Mega Millions ticket prices may not sit well with everyone, particularly lottery players.
In response to criticism, Johnston compared the cost to spending $5 on a Starbucks coffee. However, one social media user questioned the value proposition of Mega Millions, stating they are unsure of what they win compared to the certainty of getting caffeine from Starbucks.
Other users expressed concerns over the price hike, with some vowing to stop buying lottery tickets after April. Many feel that the substantial increase may not be justified for a chance at winning big.
Some argue that the lottery is a poor investment with minimal returns for those earning decent salaries.
Powerball, Mega Millions’ main competitor, has stated they have no plans to adjust their ticket price or gameplay. Powerball could potentially benefit from Mega Millions’ price increase as some players may switch back to Powerball if the jackpot reaches $1 billion or more.