The changes announced this summer in the Mega Millions game begin Saturday.
Mega Millions players will see the starting jackpot elevated to $40 million, they’ll see jackpot amounts grow larger faster, and they will have better odds of winning the second prize of $1 million or more.
To make possible bigger jackpots and the potential for more $1 million wins, a regular ticket will move to $2 with the Megaplier option still a $1 add-on. It is the first ticket price adjustment since the game began more than 15 years ago.
In the redesigned game, the odds of winning the jackpot climb from 1 in 258.8 million to 1 in 302.5 million. The range of white balls shifts from 1-75 to 1-70, and the choice of numbers for the Mega Ball changes from 1-15 to 1-25.
Players will have a 1 in 24 overall chance of winning a prize. The odds of winning $1 million improve. Players currently face odds of 1 in 18.4 million to match all five white balls. The new odds are 1 in 12.6 million.
Beginning Saturday, a Mega Millions ticket will cost $2. The first drawing under the redesigned game format will be Tuesday night. If tonight’s jackpot of $30 million ($18.4 million cash) is not won, then Tuesday’s jackpot will jump $10 million to $40. If tonight’s jackpot is won, then the starting jackpot on Tuesday will be $40 million, up $25 million from the former starting jackpot of $15 million.
We’ve had two Mega Million jackpot winners in North Carolina so far. It’s time for a new one. Good luck with the new game.
Login to leave a comment.