The Mega Millions lottery is set to undergo major changes next month, including a ticket price increase from $2 to $5 — a move that could lead to more billion-dollar winners, experts say.
This update comes shortly after Rosemary Casarotti of California won a $1.2 billion jackpot, becoming one of only a few players to reach billionaire status through the game. She joins fellow Californians Edwin Castro, who won $2.04 billion in 2022, and Theodorus Struyck, who claimed a $1.7 billion prize in 2023.
All three opted for lump-sum payouts, which reduced their total winnings due to taxes. But more players could soon join their ranks, thanks to upcoming changes aimed at boosting jackpots and improving winning odds.
Akshay Khanna, CEO of the online lottery platform Jackpot.com, said the price hike is unlikely to affect regular players, many of whom already spend over $5 per transaction.
“While some customers may initially be surprised, we believe they’ll come to recognize the added benefits that this price increase enables,” Khanna told The U.S. Sun.
According to Khanna, the revamped Mega Millions game will offer larger, faster-growing jackpots, better odds, and a new automatic multiplier feature. This multiplier will increase non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x — all built into the ticket.
“These changes will give more players the chance to win life-changing money,” Khanna said.
Since its launch more than two decades ago, Mega Millions has produced six billion-dollar jackpot winners. California, home to several of those winners, may continue to lead the way due to its large population and high ticket sales.
“All billion-dollar winners have come from either Powerball or Mega Millions, which follow the same rules across states,” Khanna said. “California’s higher number of winners is simply because more tickets are sold there.”
While some players may initially question the price hike, lottery officials and experts believe the changes will make the game more exciting and potentially more rewarding for everyone.
