The Mega Millions game is about to get bigger! Starting with the October 22, 2013 drawing, Mega Millions players will see changes that include a larger minimum starting jackpot, faster growing jackpots, a million-dollar second prize and better overall odds of winning any prize—all for the same $1 price players now pay. If you have questions, we have answers!

 Q: Will the available numbers I can play change?

A: Yes. The number of white balls is increasing to 75 and the number of gold balls (the Mega Ball) will decrease to 15. This will make the odds of hitting the jackpot steeper, but improve the overall odds of winning any prize.

Q: What if I win a prize? Will the prizes change?

A: Many of the prize levels will change. For example, the match five white balls second prize will increase from $250,000 to $1 million. The prize for matching just the Mega Ball number will be $1.

Q: What about the size of the jackpot?

A: That will change too. The minimum starting jackpot will increase from $12 million to $15 million, and jackpots will grow by at least $5 million after each drawing in which the jackpot is not won.

Q: So the price of a ticket is changing too, right?

A: Wrong. The price of a Mega Millions ticket remains just $1.

Q: Will the Megaplier remain?

A: Yes. You can still buy the Megaplier option for an extra $1 to increase non-jackpot prizes. One change: the Megaplier will be expanded to include a five factor. That means a Mega Millions ticket can now win up to $5 million without matching all six numbers.

Q: What are the odds of hitting the jackpot?

A: Approximately 1 in 259 million.

Q: Why make these changes?

A: Two big reasons: Larger and faster-growing jackpots and a new $5 million second prize. These changes will make the game even more exciting.

Q: Sounds great! How do I win?

A: You can play Mega Millions at Lottery retailers in any of the 45 jurisdictions in which Mega Millions is played (43 states plus the District of Columbia and the U. S. Virgin Islands.) Click here: http://www.megamillions.com/where-to-play  for a map of all Mega Millions lotteries.

Q: When will I see these changes?

A: The changes go into effect with the October 22 drawing. You’ll see them reflected in tickets purchased beginning October 19.

Here is the new prize structure:

Mega Millions Prize Structure

Match 

Base Prize 

Odds: 1 in 

5 + Mega Ball

JACKPOT

258,890,850

5 (no Mega Ball)

$1 million

18,492,204

4 + Mega Ball

$5,000

739,688

4 (no Mega Ball)

$500

52,835

3 + Mega Ball

$50

10,720

3 (no Mega Ball)

$5

766

2 + Mega Ball

$5

473

1 + Mega Ball

$2

56

0 + Mega Ball

$1

21

overall chances of winning a prize: 
 1 in 14.7