After the April 3 drawing, jackpots for the national Mega Millions game will be determined on a drawing-by-drawing basis based on ticket sales and interest rates. That means the game will not have a guaranteed starting jackpot of $40 million or a guaranteed increase between drawings of $5 million.
Why the change?
Due to slowing sales during the coronavirus outbreak, ticket sales aren’t strong enough to support the guaranteed starting jackpot and guaranteed increases. Many states that sell Mega Millions tickets are currently under stay-at-home orders from their governors, which have altered the typical sales patterns of many products, including lottery tickets. The jackpot amount is based on sales and interest rates. The money to pay the prizes comes from the ticket sales.
The adjustments will help to ensure that states can continue to generate revenue to support their good causes.
Who made the change?
Game changes are not made by individual lotteries, but by the Mega Millions Consortium, the national group that oversees the Mega Millions game. All lotteries offering the game must accept the changes.
What does this mean for players?
We know there have been a few changes with both of our national draw games. We want you to know, that no matter what, anybody who wins a prize playing Mega Millions will get paid their full prize as specified under the new game rules.
So, if you win $2 or $100,000 or the jackpot, you will get paid.
How will this impact the current Mega Millions jackpot?
The advertised Mega Millions jackpot for Friday, April 3, is a guaranteed $121 million. If there is no jackpot winner on April 3, the jackpot will roll to an annuitized value of $127 million. If the jackpot is won, it will reset to an amount determined by the Mega Millions Consortium based on ticket sales and interest rates.
Login to leave a comment.
Where did the 410 million dollars go for the mega millions if no one won the last drawing? Dropping down to $20 is crazy!
Help a father of 5 out man. That jackpot would be a great birthday present and help set my kids up for college and life.
Will the lottery find a way for people to claim prizes over $100,000 online especially if the lockdown extends beyond the 30 days? I think it is only fair if they do because it is unfair for them to wait until the lottery office opens to make a claim. They could be in great need of the money. Also the lottery should find a way simply because there are those out there who are still supporting the lottery even if it is online despite what is happening.