The popular Mega Millions game is being revamped to offer players bigger jackpots.
The update, which takes place Oct. 28, will increase the game’s starting jackpot from $15 million to $40 million. To win the game’s jackpot, players must match five white balls from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. The new design of the game is expected to speed up jackpot growth and boost the likelihood of a jackpot reaching $1 billion.
The redesigned game reflects feedback from players who want larger Mega Millions jackpots led to the redesign of the game. Tickets for the updated Mega Millions game will be available for purchase Oct. 28. Each play will be $2 – up from the current $1 price – and players may purchase tickets for up to 14 consecutive draws.
The update also will make it easier for players to win the game’s second tier $1 million prize for matching five white balls. Other secondary prizes also are being increased with the updated game. Players will win $10,000 for matching four white balls and the Mega Ball, an increase of $5,000. Additional prize increases are:
- Players will win $200 for matching three white balls and the Mega Ball, an increase of $150
- Players will win $10 for matching either three white balls or two white balls and the Mega Ball, an increase of $5
- Players will win $4 for matching one white ball and the Mega Ball, and increase of $2
- Players will win $2 for matching the Mega Ball, and increase of $1
Mega Millions is one of the world’s biggest and most recognizable lottery games. Introduced as The Big Game in August 1996 with six member states, the game grew, becoming Mega Millions in May 2002. Mega Millions currently is played in 44 states plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The largest Mega Millions jackpot was a $656 million prize split by three winners in Kansas, Illinois and Maryland in 2012.
