Price of a Mega Millions Ticket is Going Up by More Than Double

The price of feeling’ lucky is going up, by more than double.

The multi-state lotto Mega Millions announced that the price of playing is going up by 250 percent. Currently the price of a ticket sits at $2, but come April of 2025 the standard price will shoot all the way up to $5 per ticket.

This is the second time in the lotto’s history that they have raised prices. Back in 2017 the cost went from one dollar to two.

But fear not want-to-be millionaires, they claim that the new higher prices will also lead to higher payouts for winners. The Mega Millions has awarded six jackpots over one billion dollars in their 22 year history, a number that organizers say should rise with the new price tag.

Mega Millions officials have emphasized that with the new price point, jackpots will grow faster, reaching hundreds of millions of dollars more quickly. Additionally, the overall prize structure is expected to improve, giving players more opportunities to win smaller but still significant amounts of money beyond the massive jackpots.

Despite these promises, early responses on social media were not overwhelmingly positive.

Another change to the game is that they are getting rid of the “break even” prize, meaning your $5 ticket, if a winner, will always be worth more than $5.

Mega Millions can be played in 45 states, as well as Washington DC and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The states who miss out are Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Utah and — surprisingly — the land of gambling, Nevada.

Wood is host of the Taste of Country Mornings With Wood and Nicole, which can be heard every morning from 6-10AM CT on the Taste of Country app, on local affiliates where available and online at tasteofcountry.com.