MEGA MILLIONS® updates: From faster-growing jackpots to better odds

MEGA MILLIONS® has entered a new era in 2025, with changes that reshape how the game is played across participating states. From better prize structures to new ticket pricing, the updates provide more value with every play while keeping the familiar format that's made MEGAMILLIONS a household name.

If you're wondering what's changed and how it affects you, here's what you need to know:

New pricing with an automatic multiplier

Ticket prices may have increased, but it’s for a good reason. MEGA MILLIONS® plays now cost five dollars, but there’s now a built-in multiplier. 

Previously, you could add the Megaplier option for an extra fee. Now, that’s automatically included in every ticket at no extra cost. With each draw, a multiplier between 2X and 10X gets selected and applied to non-jackpot prizes. Your non-jackpot win could be multiplied up to 10 times—that's up to 10 million dollars for matching the five white balls.

Faster-growing jackpots that start higher

Jackpots now grow much quicker. The updated format allows for larger jumps between draws where no grand prize winner is declared. Combined with higher starting jackpot amounts, MEGA MILLIONS® draws have the potential to reach massive prize levels even faster than before.

The game structure stays the same—you'll still pick five numbers from one to 70 and one Mega Ball from one to 25. But the new prize setup puts more weight on jackpot growth and frequent prize tier improvements. This quicker build-up creates bigger prizes whilst keeping your odds competitive.

Better odds and bigger non-jackpot payouts

MEGA MILLIONS® still offers nine ways to win, but you've now got improved odds at the top prize tier. These better odds balance the game's structure with larger prize offerings, especially in non-jackpot tiers.

Under the new format, every prize you win will be more than what you paid for the ticket. While a win is never guaranteed, if you do land a prize, it'll always be more than the five dollars you spent. And with the Megaplier now included automatically, any non-jackpot win gets boosted with no extra selections or fees needed.

Digital play updates and draw changes

To support these changes, MEGA MILLIONS® also updated its digital play options through the West Virginia Lottery. All previous auto-renewals were cancelled on March 11, 2025, to prepare for the updated game rules. Saved play slips were removed after the April 4 draw since they no longer worked with the new structure.

From April 5, you can save plays and set up auto-renewals for up to 26 consecutive draws again. The first drawing under the new rules happened on April 8, 2025.

If you play online through the official West Virginia Lottery website or app from within the state, you'll automatically get access to the updated ticket format. Your account shows the five-dollar pricing and confirms the inclusion of the Megaplier with each entry. You can view past purchases, manage draw entries, and get notifications when results are posted.

How to play MEGA MILLIONS® online

You can buy tickets for updated MEGA MILLIONS® at any licensed Lottery retailer or online through your state’s official online Lottery platform at wvlottery.com. 

As always, play responsibly and ensure you have a verified account if purchasing online. You’ll have access to secure gameplay and tools to help you manage your participation, including deposit limits and account tracking.

Updated MEGA MILLIONS® brings together better odds, faster-growing jackpots, and added value in every play. With a simpler format and automatic Megaplier, your chances at non-jackpot prizes are stronger than ever, making each ticket worth more from the start.