Everything You Need To Know About The Mega Millions Changes
A new era in the Mega Millions story will begin this weekend when a series of changes come into force. Jackpots are set to get bigger and many of the other prize tiers will offer bigger rewards, but what exactly is happening and when will players get the chance to play the revamped game?
When are the Mega Millions changes happening?
The final draw under the existing rules will take place on Friday 27th October, with the changes then being introduced on Saturday 28th October. The first draw under the new rules will be held on Tuesday 31st October. The game will continue to be played every Tuesday and Friday, but a host of other changes are being made.
What is changing?
New number matrix - Players will be required to pick five main numbers from a pool of 70 and one Mega Ball between 1 and 25.
Bigger starting jackpots - The minimum jackpot will jump from $15 million to $40 million.
New ticket price - To allow for the bigger starting jackpot and help the top prize grow more quickly, the price of a Mega Millions ticket will change from $1 to $2.
Bigger prizes in some tiers - Another benefit of the new ticket price is that higher payouts will be on offer in certain prize tiers. The reward for matching four main numbers plus the Mega Ball will rise from $5,000 to $10,000, you will get $200 rather than $50 for matching three main numbers plus the Mega Ball, and the prizes will double in the bottom four tiers.
Better odds in some tiers - The chances of winning in some tiers will improve due to the fact that the number of main balls will be reduced from 75 to 70. The odds of matching five main numbers and becoming a millionaire, for example, will become more favourable.
Just the Jackpot - Some states will offer this new type of wager, where players can pay just $3 for two lines. However, anyone who takes up this option will only be eligible to win the jackpot.
Why the changes?
Mega Millions has been refreshed a number of times since it was first launched in 1996 and the latest changes are being introduced in a bid to make the game even more exciting. The new ticket price, number matrix and larger starting jackpots should all ensure that the top prize grows more quickly, and there is now more potential for jackpots to exceed $1 billion.
Hot Lotto ends
As well as the Mega Millions changes, the final Hot Lotto draw will take place on Saturday 28th October. A new version of Lotto America will then be launched next month.
Be part of history
If you would like to try and scoop a prize in Mega Millions’ final draw under its current rules, you can visit an authorised retailer in one of the participating states or choose numbers online. Good luck!