Mega Millions is getting some mega changes in Iowa and across the country. The popular lottery game is raising prices and, officials say, the odds of winning.
The cost of playing the game has more than doubled from the previous price of $2 — among changes announced in March and previously teased in October 2024.
“Beyond big jackpots, players told us they want bigger non-jackpot prizes and that’s exactly what this new game delivers,” Joshua Johnston, lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium, said in a news release.
Here’s what to know about the Mega Millions overhaul that debuts ahead of Tuesday’s drawing.
Mega Millions ticket price goes up. What’s the new cost?
Mega Millions tickets will more than double, with the overhaul to $5 per play.
This is only the second time Mega Millions tickets have increased. The first time was in 2017, when tickets increased from $1 to $2.
When do Mega Millions ticket prices go up?
Tickets for the Mega Millions lottery game will cost $5 a piece beginning Tuesday, April 8.
Mega Millions now includes built-in multiplier
A woman crosses her fingers after purchasing a Mega Millions lottery ticket.
Though ticket prices are increasing, new Mega Millions tickets will include a built-in multiplier, which increases non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, five, or 10 times.
Previously, in some states, a multiplier, known as the Megaplier, was available for an extra dollar add-on. Likewise, the “Just the Jackpot” feature available in some states will be retired, according to a news release.
Mega Millions increases starting jackpot, non-jackpot prizes
Now, the Mega Millions starting jackpot is $50 million. That’s up from a previous starting jackpot of $20 million.
Non-jackpot prizes will also see a bump. These prizes will be between $10 and $10 million, according to a news release. In the current game, non-jackpot prizes are between $2 and $1 million.
Increased overall jackpot odds
The overhauled game will also feature increased odds. The overall odds of the game will be 1 in 23, compared to 1 in 24, according to a news release. And the jackpot odds will be 1 in 290,472,336, compared to 1 in 302,575,350.
How do you play the Mega Millions?
To play the Mega Millions, you first have to buy a ticket.
More: This Iowa grocery store now sells Powerball, Mega Millions tickets right at checkout
Once you have a ticket, pick six numbers. Five of the numbers will be white balls from 1-70. The gold Mega Balls will range from 1-24 in the new game, where they previously ranged from 1-25.
If you’d rather let fate decide your luck, you can ask for a “Quick Play” or an “Easy Pick.” These options let the computer randomly generate numbers for you.
Where can you buy Mega Millions tickets in Iowa?
Tickets are sold at a variety of locations in Iowa, including local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. You can find a retailer near you on the Iowa Lottery website. Iowa does not allow for lottery tickets to be purchased online.
Mega Millions drawings are held on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10 p.m. Central. The deadline to purchase tickets in Iowa is 8:59 p.m. on drawing days.
Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: When does the new Mega Millions ticket price start in Iowa?
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