Difference between the Old and New Mega Millions Game
The Mega Millions lottery is one of the biggest and most exciting games in the U.S. and now it's got better now! A new version of the game started on April 8, 2025, and it brings more chances to win, bigger prizes, and some cool new features.
Players have to choose five different numbers (white balls) from 1 to 70 and one number (gold mega ball) from 1 to 24 or they can also choose quick pick option.
If you've played the game before or want to start now, this guide will show you the difference between the old and new Mega Millions game in a simple, easy-to-read way.
1. Ticket Cost
Old Game: In the previous each mega millions ticket cost $2
New Game: The new ticket costs $5 and the multiplier is included in the ticket.
Yes, the ticket is more expensive than previous but you're getting a built-in bonus. In the old game, you had to pay an extra $1 to add the multiplier. Now, it's included automatically for free with every ticket! You'll get a built-in multiplier of 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X to boost your winnings. You're not just paying for a ticket you're getting bonus features, bigger prizes, and more excitement packed into every play!
Note: Please note that the multiplier is added automatically at the time of buying the ticket, it may be 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X.
2. Bigger Jackpots
Old Starting Jackpot: The Jackpots starts at $20 million
New Starting Jackpot: Now, it starts at $50 million!
That means you start with more than double the money to win! Plus, jackpots are expected to grow faster and reach higher amounts more often, giving players more chances to dream big. The prizes for Match 5 (match five white balls) with the new built-in Multiplier will range from $2 million to $10 million.
3. Multiplier Is Now Always Included!
Before, you had to pay extra to get a "Megaplier". Now it's built into every $5 ticket no need to add it on. Each ticket includes a Multiplier that boosts your non-jackpot prizes by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X!
A 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X Multiplier will be allocated at random for each play at the time of purchase. With non-jackpot prizes, you can win at least $10 and up to $10 million, while the old payouts range from $2 to $1 million. That means at least twice the price will be paid out on each winning ticket.
Example: If you win $500 and get a 10X multiplier, your prize becomes $5,000.
How are multipliers picked?
They are chosen randomly. Here's the chance of getting each:
| Multiplier | Odds |
|---|---|
| 2X | 1 in 2.13 |
| 3X | 1 in 3.2 |
| 4X | 1 in 8 |
| 5X | 1 in 16 |
| 10X | 1 in 32 |
4. Better Odds to Win
The overall chance of winning the prize has increased to one in 23 from one in 24. The number of Mega Balls in the new game will be 24 instead of 25. Since one gold Mega Ball was eliminated from the game, the jackpot odds have increased from 1 in 302,575,350 to 1 in 290,472,436, respectively.
| Match | Odds |
|---|---|
| Only Mega Ball | 1 in 35 |
| 1 out 5 + Mega Ball | 1 in 86 |
| 2 out 5 + Mega Ball | 1 in 665 |
| 3 out 5 | 1 in 607 |
| 3 out 5 + Mega Ball | 1 in 13,965 |
| 4 out 5 | 1 in 38,859 |
| 4 out 5 + Mega Ball | 1 in 893,761 |
| 5 out 5 | 1 in 12,629,232 |
| 5 out 5 + Mega Ball | 1 in 290,472,336 |
| Overall Odds | 1 in 23 |
Why better? Because the one Mega Ball number is removed, so now you pick:
5 white balls or numbers from 1-70 (same)
1 Mega Ball from 1-24 (old game have 1-25)
That small change gives you slightly better chances.
5. Old vs. New prizes
The non-jackpot prizes got a huge boost too. Here's what changed:
| Match | Old Prize | New Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 5 out 5 + Mega Ball | Jackpot | Jackpot |
| 5 out 5 | $1 million | $2M, $3M, $4M, $5M or $10M |
| 4 out 5 + Mega Ball | $10,000 | $20K, $30K, $40K, $50K or $100K |
| 4 out 5 | $500 | $1K, $1.5K, $2K, $2.5K or $5K |
| 3 out 5 + Mega Ball | $200 | $400, $600, $800, $1K or $2K |
| 3 out 5 | 10 | $20, $30, $40, $50 or $100 |
| 2 out 5 + Mega Ball | 10 | $20, $30, $40, $50 or $100 |
| 1 out 5 + Mega Ball | $7 | $14, $21, $28, $35 or $70 |
| Only Mega Ball | $2 | $10, $15, $20, $25 or $50 |
Even the smallest prize is now at least $10, up from just $2!
Quick Summary - What's better in the New Game?
| Old Game | New Game | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $2 | $5 |
| Starting Jackpot | $20 Million | $50 million |
| Matrix | 5/70 + 1/25 | 5/70 + 1/24 |
| Overall Odds | 1:24 | 1:23 |
| Jackpot Odds | 1:302,575,350 | 1:290,472,336 |
| Non-Jackpot Prizes | $2 up to $1 million | $10 up to $10 million |
| Multiplier Feature | $1 per play | Included in the ticket |
The new Mega Millions game is designed to make playing more exciting and winning even sweeter.
Whether you're in it for the jackpot or just want to try your luck with smaller prizes, this new version gives you:
More chances
More money
More fun!
April 11,2025
