Sunflower State News

The updated version of the Mega Millions lottery game showed its potential in its initial drawing under a new prize matrix on April 8, 2025. This revised format resulted in players winning five times the previous prize amount, totaling over $3.4 million more than the prize distribution in the previous game setup.

Under the new configuration, 217,904 winners across eight different non-jackpot prize categories received a total of $4.3 million compared to $840,628 with the old prize matrix for the April 8 drawing alone. This increase is attributed to the new multiplier feature that enhances all non-jackpot prizes by factors of 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10.

Joshua Johnston, Lead Director of the Mega Millions Consortium, remarked on the launch, stating, “We couldn’t be more thrilled for our players and for how the new game is being received.” He emphasized that the enhanced prizes are substantial for everyday players, noting the financial difference they make.

Prize details from the most recent drawing indicated no top-tier winners for the five white balls category. Other notable winnings included five players sharing $100,000 for matching four white balls plus the Mega Ball, which previously would have earned them $50,000. The simplified table of winnings demonstrates the increased payout across all levels.

The revamped Mega Millions offers larger prizes in every non-jackpot tier, improved odds, increased starting jackpots, and quicker growth in jackpot amounts. The ticket price has risen to $5 per play; this marks only the second price modification in over 20 years since the game's launch. Johnston highlighted the effort behind these changes, “Launching the new Mega Millions is the culmination of three years’ worth of work and coordination across 47 jurisdictions.”

Mega Millions continues its tradition as a national game with players from 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. Eastern Time in Atlanta, Georgia, with proceeds benefiting numerous charitable causes.

Players are encouraged to use the Kansas Lottery PlayOn program to gain points through their ticket submissions for more chances to win various awards. PlayOn is a registered trademark of Pollard Banknote Limited.