Lottery officials across several U.S. states are temporarily limiting advance ticket sales for Mega Millions as the game prepares for a major overhaul starting April 5.
Players in states like Arizona, Ohio, and Iowa have been told they can only buy tickets through April 4, according to local reports. Normally, players can purchase tickets for up to 10 consecutive draws. This rule is expected to return after the game’s revamp is launched.
The temporary restriction comes as Mega Millions prepares to roll out eight major changes. The most notable is a price increase—tickets will jump from $2 to $5 starting April 5.
The price hike has sparked backlash on social media. Some players say they will stop buying tickets altogether. “There is zero chance I will buy at $5,” one Reddit user wrote. Others echoed similar frustrations, calling the increase “crazy” and pledging to switch to other games like Powerball.
Even longtime players have voiced concern. Corky Ramirez from New York told CW affiliate WPIX-TV that $3 would have been a more reasonable increase. Another player named Anthony questioned the decision, asking, “Why are they doing that?”
Local business owners also worry that higher ticket prices could lead to a drop in sales.
Despite the criticism, Mega Millions officials have defended the changes, saying they will improve the game experience. Along with the price increase, several updates are designed to boost player rewards.
The game will offer better odds for jackpot wins and larger, faster-growing prize pools. The starting jackpot will be higher, and players who match five numbers will now win $10 million—up from the current $1 million.
In another change, a built-in multiplier will be added to every ticket, automatically increasing non-jackpot winnings by 2x to 10x. Also, break-even prizes will be eliminated. All winnings will now be worth more than the cost of a ticket.
These changes aim to make the game more exciting and increase the chances of creating more big winners. Mega Millions draws are held every Tuesday and Friday.
