Mega Millions has doubled the cost of a single ticket from $2 to $5, sparking mixed reactions among players. The change took effect with Tuesday’s drawing and applies across 45 states, Washington, DC, and the US Virgin Islands.
Lottery officials say the price hike will benefit players by generating more revenue, which will fund bigger jackpots. Joshua Johnston, Washington state lottery director and head of Mega Millions, told the Associated Press the increase aims to boost excitement. “People really want big jackpots,” he said. “We expect to see a sales lift on this.”
Under the new system, the minimum jackpot starts at $50 million instead of $20 million. Odds of winning the jackpot have also improved slightly, from 1 in 302.6 million to 1 in 290 million. Additionally, jackpots will grow faster with each rollover, making billion-dollar prizes more common.
Other prizes have risen too. Players who don’t match all six numbers now win at least $10. The multiplier feature, previously a $1 add-on, is now included in the base ticket price and can boost non-jackpot prizes up to 10 times.
Despite these benefits, many longtime players have voiced frustration online. “I will no longer buy Mega Millions tickets. $5 a draw is too expensive,” said one user on X (formerly Twitter). Others called the hike a “free tax” and “outrageous,” with some vowing to stop playing altogether.
Lottery officials say the new pricing combats “jackpot fatigue,” where players only buy tickets during huge prize draws. With larger jackpots expected, officials predict the average winning prize will increase from $450 million to $800 million. Johnston explained, “When you get to a billion, people are like, ‘Whoa, that’s a whole lot of money.’”
However, not all players are chasing massive jackpots. Sandie Yeaman from Omaha, Nebraska, expressed a preference for smaller prizes, saying, “I’d be satisfied with $1 million, and so would others. One person winning $50 million is ridiculous.”
Mega Millions is now the most expensive lottery game in the US. By comparison, Powerball tickets still cost $2, while some Texas scratch cards can cost up to $100. Internationally, Spain’s El Gordo Christmas lottery tickets can cost over $200 for a full ticket.
Saeedith Williams from East Point, Georgia, said the price increase might limit how often he plays. “Maybe I’ll buy one ticket a week now that it’s $5 a ticket,” he said.
Despite complaints, Mega Millions continues to generate significant funds for public services, including education scholarships. For many, spending a few dollars remains a chance to dream big, even with long odds.
