USA, September 15, 2025
News Summary
The Mega Millions lottery has introduced significant changes to improve players’ odds of winning and to increase jackpot sizes. The starting jackpot has been raised to $50 million, with a higher minimum prize for matching the Mega Ball, which now ranges from $10 to $50. Ticket prices have increased to $5 but come with a built-in prize multiplier of 2X to 10X, resulting in better overall odds of winning any prize. Current jackpot stands at $400 million after a recent drawing.
Major Changes to Mega Millions Lottery Enhance Winning Odds and Increase Jackpots
On April 8, 2025, the Mega Millions lottery game implemented significant rule changes aimed at improving players’ chances of winning and increasing jackpot amounts. The new regulations have increased the starting jackpot from $20 million to $50 million, with expectations of faster-growing jackpots in the coming drawings.
The updates come as players can now enjoy enhancements such as a higher minimum prize for matching the gold Mega Ball, which has risen from $2 to between $10 and $50. Additionally, players matching five white balls (excluding the Mega Ball) can win between $2 million and $10 million, compared to the previous flat $1 million prize, offering substantial opportunities for increased winnings.
Although the cost of a Mega Millions ticket has increased from $2 to $5, each ticket now includes a built-in prize multiplier ranging from 2X to 10X for non-jackpot prizes. This multiplier replaces the former $1 add-on option for the “Megaplier.”
With the new rules, the overall odds of winning any prize are now 1 in 23, a slight improvement over the previous odds of 1 in 24. The odds of winning the jackpot have also seen enhancement, adjusting from 1 in 302,575,350 to 1 in 290,472,336. This improvement is attributed to a modification in the game format that now includes 24 Mega Balls instead of 25.
Upcoming Drawings and Current Jackpot Status
As of September 12, 2025, the current Mega Millions jackpot stands at $400 million after no one won the previous drawing of $381 million. The winning numbers from that drawing were 17, 18, 21, 42, 64, and the Mega Ball 7. For players looking to cash out, the cash option for the upcoming drawing is worth $185.8 million.
Recent Winners and Ticket Purchase Information
Throughout 2025, Mega Millions has seen impressive jackpots awarded, including $348 million won in Virginia and $112 million in Ohio. The lottery draws take place every week on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 p.m., and players can purchase tickets from various locations including convenience stores, gas stations, and online where permitted.
A popular feature for players is the “Quick Pick” option, allowing them to receive randomly generated numbers, adding convenience for those who prefer not to choose their own numbers.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Previous Format | New Format |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Jackpot | $20 million | $50 million |
| Minimum Mega Ball Prize | $2 | $10 – $50 |
| Prize for Five White Balls | $1 million | $2 million – $10 million |
| Ticket Cost | $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 | None | 2X – 10X |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new starting jackpots for Mega Millions?
The starting jackpot for Mega Millions has increased from $20 million to $50 million.
How much does a Mega Millions ticket cost now?
A Mega Millions ticket now costs $5, increased from the previous price of $2.
What is the current chance of winning any prize in Mega Millions?
The overall odds of winning any prize are now 1 in 23, improved from 1 in 24.
When are the Mega Millions drawings held?
Mega Millions drawings take place twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 p.m.
What is the new built-in prize multiplier for tickets?
The new built-in prize multiplier ranges from 2X to 10X for non-jackpot prizes.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
