Mega Millions® Game Change
Exciting changes were made to Mega Millions on April 5, 2025. The changes result in bigger, faster-growing jackpots and a new built-in multiplier feature, all for just $5 a play.
What are the changes to Mega Millions?
Mega Millions offers players better odds, bigger non-jackpot prizes, and more frequent, faster-growing jackpots.
- The starting jackpot has increased from $20,000,000 to $50,000,000;
- Each play includes a built-in multiplier randomly assigned at the time of purchase that multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5x, or 10X;
- Players are able to win a minimum of $10 and up to $10,000,000 on non-jackpot prizes;
- Players have 24 numbers, instead of 25, to choose from in the Mega Ball field, increasing their odds of winning; and
- To support this game upgrade, the price of each play has increased to $5.
Why were these changes made?
These game changes help differentiate Mega Millions from Powerball® and allow for bigger, more frequent jackpot wins.
Did the draw times for Mega Millions change?
No, draw times for Mega Millions still occur on Tuesday and Friday evenings at 10:00 PM CT.
Did the Mega Millions game or prize structure change?
Yes. Players still select five numbers from 1-70, but they choose one Mega Ball from 1-24. The updated prize structure is shown below:
Did the Mega Millions odds change?
The overall odds to win a prize improved to 1:23. They were 1:24. The odds of winning the jackpot improves, as well as the odds of winning non-jackpot prizes, due to a multiplier being included in every play.
Can I still select the Megaplier add-on?
No, the Megaplier add-on will no longer be available. It has been replaced by the randomly selected multiplier that is included with every Mega Millions play. Players could win 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 times their non-jackpot prize. The non-jackpot win multiplier odds are shown below:
Do I need to make a selection for the multiplier add-on for it to be applied to my play?
No. Each play purchased will automatically include the built-in multiplier randomly assigned at time of purchase that multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5x, or 10X.
Can I still purchase tickets for multiple draws?
If you purchase your ticket online, you can purchase a ticket for up to 8 draws. If you purchase your ticket from an Illinois Lottery retailer, you can purchase a ticket for up to 25 draws by speaking to the retailer. The multiplier on your ticket will be the same for all of the draws purchased.
If making a purchase online, can I still purchase a subscription?
Yes, you can purchase a subscription for up to 12 months for Mega Millions. The multiplier will change for each draw of your subscription.
If making a purchase online, can I still use Replay Recent?
Yes, you will be able to use Replay Recent after the game change. However, please note that if any of your previous purchases included the 25 Mega Ball or a Megaplier, such Recent Replay will need to be edited once selected.
If making a purchase online, can I still play Favorites after the game change?
Yes, you will be able to use Favorites after the game change. However, please note that if any of your Favorites included the 25 Mega Ball or a Megaplier, your Favorite will need to be edited once selected.
How do I check to see if I’m a winner?
If you purchased your ticket online, you can check the My Games section within your My Account.
If you purchased your ticket at an Illinois Lottery retailer, you can determine whether your ticket is a winner by scanning the barcode located at the bottom of the ticket with the scanner on the ticket checker, Illinois Lottery vending machine, or the Illinois Lottery app.
You can also check your numbers by using the Mega Millions Number Checker on IllinoisLottery.com.
If I purchase my ticket before April 5, 2025, how do I use the Mega Millions Number Checker to see if I’ve won?
On the Mega Millions Number Checker page, please do the following:
- Select the tab BEFORE APRIL 5, 2025;
- Fill out the prompts on the page;
- Choose the timeframe you’d like to check within under Select the number of days;
- Input your numbers after Add a new line;
- Check if you Played Megaplier; and
- Select Check Now.
If I purchase my ticket on or after April 5, 2025, how do I use the Mega Millions Number Checker to see if I’ve won?
On the Mega Millions Number Checker page, please do the following:
- Select the tab ON OR AFTER APRIL 5, 2025;
- Fill out the prompts on the page;
- Choose the timeframe you’d like to check within under Select the number of days;
- Input your numbers after Add a new line; and
- Select Check Now.
How long do I have to claim a prize on a ticket?
No matter when you’ve purchased your ticket, prizes must be claimed within one year from the drawing date.
Is the way to purchase a ticket and play any different than it was prior to the game change?
The biggest change when making a purchase and playing is that you will not have the option to select a Megaplier to add to your ticket. Ultimately, every ticket will have a built in multiplier automatically added after purchase.
If you need more information on how to play, please visit the How to Play section of the Mega Millions page.
Will these changes apply to any other Illinois Lottery games?
No. These changes will only apply to Mega Millions.
If this FAQ did not address your question(s), please refer to our other FAQs or contact us by using one of the following methods:
- Use Live Chat, accessible on the right side of this page
- Send us an email at [email protected]; or
- Call the Player Hotline at 1-800-252-1775