On April 8, 2025, the Mega Millions drawing showcased the advantages of its new prize matrix. Players nationwide collected over $3.4 million more in prizes compared to what would have been awarded under the previous system, benefiting from the non-jackpot multiplier options that enhance winnings by up to ten times.
In this first drawing under the new structure, 217,904 winners across eight non-jackpot prize tiers collectively received $4.3 million. The previous matrix would have yielded a total of only $840,628 for these same winners.
Joshua Johnston, Lead Director of the Mega Millions Consortium, expressed enthusiasm about the positive reception of the new game configuration. “As players are coming into grocery stores, convenience stores, and lottery offices today to collect prizes that are two, three, four, five, and ten times what they’ve seen in the past, it’s putting a smile on their faces, because that’s real, everyday money to most people,” he stated. Johnston emphasized the importance of the changes, noting the increased value for players at all prize levels.
Under the new system, Mega Millions offers better odds for winning the jackpot, larger starting jackpots, and more substantial non-jackpot prizes, which range from $10 to $10 million. The revamped game, priced at $5 per play, improves on the former range of $2 to $1 million prizes and marks only the second price change in over two decades.
Johnston also highlighted the effort behind the launch, which took three years of collaboration across 47 jurisdictions. “It’s intended to be a fun game that gives players a chance to escape and dream,” he said, reminding players to prioritize basic needs before purchasing lottery tickets.
Since its inception in 2002, Mega Millions has produced seven billion-dollar jackpot winners. The 2017 game change resulted in over 1,200 new millionaires, averaging three per week.
