California Lottery players will soon experience an upgraded version of the Mega Millions game with bigger jackpots and more frequent wins.
The game has resulted in seven jackpot wins exceeding $1 billion, all in different states. The final drawing under the current format takes place on April 4.
The new Mega Millions offers enhanced prizes with an automatic multiplier at every non-jackpot tier, improved odds of winning, larger starting jackpots and faster-growing prizes. The first drawing under the new structure will be held at 8 p.m. April 8.
The catch: ticket prices will rise to $5.
“This is not only thrilling news for our players, but also for California’s public schools,” said Carolyn Becker, California Lottery spokesperson. “Every ticket sold in our state will contribute an additional two dollars to schools. We’re confident these enhancements will boost our ability to generate even more funding for education, which is at the core of our mission.”
Features of the updated Mega Millions include the chances of winning any prize improving to 1 in 23, a starting jackpot of $50 million, the estimated average win jumping from $450 million to over $800 million, a prize multiplier of up to 10X and every winning ticket paying at least double the $5 cost per play.
The price increase is only the second adjustment since the game launched over 20 years ago, and the first since 2017.
If no one wins the jackpot April 4, the prize will roll over into the new game format. Any tickets purchased before the change will still be honored under the original prize structure.
Since the last Mega Millions update in 2017, the game has created over 1,200 millionaires, averaging three per week.
The game is available in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with drawings Tuesdays and Fridays.
