Mega Millions is reportedly set for significant modifications in how the interstate lottery game operates. Recent developments from the Texas Lottery indicate that the Mega Millions Consortium is contemplating considerable changes, which include a steep price increase.
In April, Casino.org first reported indications from LotteryGeeks.com that the Mega Millions Consortium was mulling a substantial ticket price surge. Now, newly disclosed documents from the Texas Lottery suggest that this cost increase is only one of several major changes likely coming to the lottery game, which is played in 45 states, Washington, DC, and the US Virgin Islands.
The Texas Lottery recently informed Doug Jennings, general counsel for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, about the proposed changes to Mega Millions, which are slated to take effect on April 8, 2025. Although the Mega Millions Consortium has remained quiet about the rumored gameplay changes, the Texas Lottery’s proposed rule adjustments indicate that the price for a basic ticket is expected to increase from $2 to $5 next April.
Additionally, the $1 add-on Megaplier, which currently allows non-jackpot prize tickets to double, triple, quadruple, or quintuple their payout, is set to be terminated. Currently, Mega Millions drawings on Tuesday and Friday nights include a Megaplier draw from a pool of 15 balls (five 2x, six 3x, three 4x, and one 5x).
Instead of the optional Megaplier, the proposed rules suggest implementing an automatic multiplier that could multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, 5, or even 10 times. Furthermore, the “Just the Jackpot” option, which offers players two chances to win the jackpot for $3 but excludes lower-tier prizes, is also slated to expire. This option is currently offered in 14 states, including Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
The number of gold Mega Balls is expected to be reduced from 25 to 24, slightly improving the players’ odds of hitting the jackpot from one in 302.57 million and enhancing the overall odds of winning a prize, as the gold ball is used in determining five lower-tier prizes.
The Texas Lottery explained that these game changes are anticipated to generate increased interest by offering players the potential for larger jackpots, improved chances of winning through better overall odds, improved chances of winning the jackpot prize through better jackpot prize odds, and a new embedded multiplier feature that offers players the chance to increase non-jackpot prizes up to ten times.
The Mega Millions jackpot for Tuesday, September 10, is estimated at $800 million, with a one-time cash option of $401.8 million. Despite the anticipated changes, there is already significant backlash among players. Many fear that the substantial ticket price increase will drive away participants. Some lottery enthusiasts have expressed strong opposition to the rumored price hike, suggesting that it might lead them to stop playing Mega Millions altogether.
Powerball, Mega Millions’ primary competitor, could emerge as the big winner if the proposed changes go through. Comments from players on the rumored $5 ticket price reflect widespread disapproval, with many considering the increase unjustifiable and potentially leading to a shift in their participation habits.
