Atlanta, Georgia, September 15, 2025
News Summary
With a new starting jackpot of $50 million, the Mega Millions lottery has boosted prize levels and improved odds of winning. The enhanced rules include a minimum prize increase for matching the Mega Ball from $2 to $50 and a significant upgrade for matching five white balls. Ticket costs have risen to $5, but with built-in multipliers and more chances to win, lottery enthusiasts are expected to be more engaged than ever.
Atlanta, Georgia – On April 8, 2025, the Mega Millions lottery made significant rule changes aimed at increasing the odds of winning and enhancing jackpot sizes. The starting jackpot has risen from $20 million to a staggering $50 million, and players can look forward to the possibility of faster-growing jackpots, along with a higher number of chances to win within a single year.
The recent alterations to the game apply to various prize tiers as well. The minimum prize for players matching the gold Mega Ball will now range from $10 to $50, a notable increase from the previous set amount of $2. Furthermore, those who match five white balls (excluding the Mega Ball) stand to win anywhere between $2 million and $10 million, a significant upgrade from the flat $1 million prize offered in the past. Despite these changes, the cost of a Mega Millions ticket has increased from $2 to $5.
Each Mega Millions ticket now comes with a built-in prize multiplier, allowing players to win non-jackpot prizes multiplied by factors ranging from 2X to 10X. Additionally, the odds of winning any prize have been slightly improved to 1 in 23, compared to the previous 1 in 24. The odds of clinching the jackpot have also been enhanced to 1 in 290,472,336 from the prior 1 in 302,575,350. This change in odds comes from the revised format that now features 24 Mega Balls instead of 25.
As of September 12, 2025, the jackpot stands at $400 million after no one claimed the previous $381 million. The winning numbers from the September 12 drawing were 17, 18, 21, 42, 64, and the Mega Ball number 7. The cash option available for the next drawing is valued at $185.8 million. Some notable wins in 2025 include a $348 million jackpot awarded in Virginia and a $112 million prize in Ohio.
Drawings for Mega Millions occur twice weekly, every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. Players can purchase tickets at various retailers, including convenience stores and gas stations, and online where permitted. The “Quick Pick” feature allows participants to have their numbers randomly generated to aid in their ticket purchase.
These enhancements to the Mega Millions game reflect an ongoing effort to attract more players while increasing the excitement surrounding the game. With higher jackpots and improved winning odds, lottery enthusiasts are expected to flock to their nearest outlets to try their luck.
FAQ
1. What are the new starting jackpot amounts for Mega Millions?
The starting jackpot has increased from $20 million to $50 million with the new rules.
2. How have the odds changed for winning Mega Millions?
Odds of winning any prize have improved to 1 in 23, while the odds of winning the jackpot are now 1 in 290,472,336.
3. What is the cost of a Mega Millions ticket now?
The cost of a Mega Millions ticket has risen from $2 to $5.
4. When do Mega Millions drawings take place?
Drawings are held twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 p.m.
5. What is the built-in prize multiplier?
Each Mega Millions ticket now includes a built-in prize multiplier ranging from 2X to 10X for non-jackpot prizes.
Key Features of Mega Millions Update
| Feature | Previous Rules | New Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Jackpot | $20 million | $50 million |
| Minimum Prize for Mega Ball | $2 | $10 – $50 |
| Prize for Matching Five White Balls | $1 million | $2 million – $10 million |
| Cost per Ticket | $2 | $5 |
| Odds of Winning Any Prize | 1 in 24 | 1 in 23 |
| Odds of Winning Jackpot | 1 in 302,575,350 | 1 in 290,472,336 |
| Built-in Prize Multiplier | No | 2X – 10X |
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Additional Resources
- WKYC: Winning Mega Millions Numbers for $381 Million Jackpot
- USA Today: Mega Millions Winning Numbers September 12, 2025
- PJ Star: Mega Millions Numbers Tonight September 12, 2025
- Indy Star: Powerball Drawing Winning Numbers September 13, 2025
- Google Search: Mega Millions lottery
- Wikipedia: Mega Millions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mega Millions
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