Goodbye $2 Mega Millions lottery tickets: this is the new price and changes starting on April 5

Mega Millions is one of the most popular lotteries in the United States, often offering enticing jackpots worth hundreds of millions of dollars. However, the game is set to undergo several changes soon, including a price increase for tickets in its Tuesday and Friday draws.

Last October, the lottery announced a “mega revamp” with plans to be bigger and better than ever. Among the enhancements for players, the game will feature improved odds of winning the jackpot, larger and more frequent jackpots, higher starting prizes, and faster-growing prize pools. A built-in multiplier will also be included in every draw.

However, the cost of participating in Mega Millions is also increasing. The ticket price will more than double from the current $2 per play.

What is the new price to play Mega Millions?

Along with the announced changes, starting on April 5th 2025, the price of a Mega Millions ticket will be $5 per play.

“When the new and improved game launches next April, tickets will cost $5 per play. This is only the second price adjustment in over 20 years and the first change since the current game matrix was introduced in 2017,” the lottery confirmed.

• Ever wondered how far Mega Millions $1 billion would go? Let’s measure it!

When are Mega Millions draws and how can you play?

Draws are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. PT / 10:00 p.m. CT). The lottery is available in nearly every state except Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. It can also be played in the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands but is not available in Puerto Rico.

The cutoff time for ticket purchases is usually within one to two hours before the draw, depending on the state. Players can buy tickets in person or online in participating jurisdictions.

To play, participants must purchase a ticket in one of the 47 jurisdictions where Mega Millions is available. Players choose six numbers: five from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25.

To win the jackpot, a player must match all six drawn numbers. However, smaller prizes ranging from $2 to $1 million are awarded based on different combinations of matching numbers.

Here are the numbers and combinations you need to win some money:

Related stories

Money

Dollar bills Target is rejecting in April 2025

The price of coffee set to rise

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.