The price of Mega Millions tickets is increasing from $2 to $5, while the payouts are expected to be larger—here's what you need to know.

The lottery announced Monday that Mega Millions plans to increase its ticket price as part of a revamp, promising bigger prizes, meaning you'll have to spend more to win big.

Since its debut as The Big Game in 1996, the lottery has experienced two price increases, with the price of a ticket rising from $2 to $5 beginning in April 2025.

The consortium that runs the lottery has announced that there will be bigger prizes won more frequently, along with slightly improved odds of winning. The highest jackpot in the lottery's history is $1.6 billion, won in August 2023.

Although ticket prices have increased, the consortium remains optimistic that sales will continue to rise, resulting in larger jackpot amounts.

"According to a lottery spokesperson, research prior to the change indicates that players are open to higher price points when they are aware of larger jackpots and prizes. Additionally, $5 is a widely popular price point for other lottery games in most states, indicating a demand for that option."

Here's a look at the key changes, according to the lottery:

• Every play will have a randomized multiplier for non-jackpot prizes, which will automatically enhance every win by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X or 10X, with a maximum prize of $10 million for matching five white balls.
• The removal of one gold Mega Ball from the draw increases the odds from 1 in 25 to 1 in 24.
• Larger starting jackpots will grow faster than before.
• No break-even prizes; Mega Ball winners will receive at least $10.

The lottery will release a detailed table of prize tiers closer to April, including a full prize matrix.

The automatic prize multiplier, which currently adds an extra $1 to a $2 ticket, will be incorporated into the ticket price starting in April, increasing non-jackpot winnings.

Starting in April, those who match the numbers on three white balls and the Mega Ball will receive at least $400, with the automatic multiplier increasing the prize amount by two times or more, depending on the draw.

The Mega Millions game is played in 45 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with drawings taking place at 11 p.m. ET on Tuesdays and Fridays.

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