Mega Millions is introducing a new format on April 8, featuring a ticket price increase from $2 to $5, a higher starting jackpot of $50 million, and larger prizes at all levels, including a minimum prize increase from $2 to $10. The range for the Mega Ball number will be reduced from 1-25 to 1-24, while the main number selection remains unchanged.
To prepare for these changes, the number of advance drawings available for purchase will gradually decrease after February 14, resuming the full 15-draw option on April 5.
According to the Maryland Lottery, “A new version of Mega Millions is on the way, and in preparation for the changes, the number of advance drawings available for purchase will be temporarily reduced after the drawing on Friday, Feb. 14.
Typically, Mega Millions players are able to purchase tickets that are valid for up to 15 drawing dates. Starting after the Feb. 14 drawing, the number of advance drawing dates available will be reduced by one after each drawing through Friday, April 4. The step-down of advance draw sales is necessary because lotteries across the country are not able to sell Mega Millions tickets for future drawing dates that overlap into the new format.
The first drawing with the new format will be Tuesday, April 8, and beginning April 5, Maryland Lottery players will once again be able to purchase up to 15 drawings of Mega Millions. At that time, the range of numbers for the Mega Ball will be reduced by one. Currently, players choose five numbers from a range of 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. Under the new Mega Millions format, the range for the Mega Ball will be 1 to 24, while the range for the first five numbers will remain 1 to 70.
Also beginning April 5, the price of Mega Millions tickets will increase from $2 to $5; the starting amount after a jackpot is won will move from $20 million to $50 million; and the prize amounts at all eight prize tiers below the jackpot will increase. The minimum prize on a winning ticket will jump from $2 to $10. More details on these changes will be available soon.
Mega Millions tickets are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with drawings held at 11 p.m. each Tuesday and Friday. The cutoff time to purchase Mega Millions tickets on Tuesdays and Fridays is 10:45 p.m.”