Play Mega Millions to go from $2 to $5 per play

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KOLO) – The cost to play the Mega Millions jackpot will more than double in April, rising from $2 per play to $5, the California Lottery announced this week.

In return, Mega Millions players can expect larger jackpots more often; larger starting jackpots after winnings; and jackpots that grow faster.

Mega Millions also waives break-even prizes. So everyone who wins gets more than the cost of the game.

Mega Millions launched in 2002 at $1 per play. In 2017, this increased to $2 per game. It is played in 45 states – including California – Washington, DC and the US Virgin Islands.

Mega Millions paid out a $1.6 billion jackpot in August 2023. The jackpot was purchased in Neptune Beach, California.

“We believe this is a winning proposal for both our players and our mission to raise additional funds for public education,” California Lottery Director Harjinder K. Shergill Chima said in a statement. “With larger jackpots growing even faster and better odds for players to win, we expect increased sales for Mega Millions and, in turn, more money for schools.”

The first Mega Millions jackpot was $68 million in New York on December 24, 2002 and was unclaimed.

Powerball officials said they had no plans to change the odds for that game or the $2 price of most tickets.

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