By Erik Jones, Editor
A major overhaul has arrived for Mega Millions — one of the most popular lottery games in the U.S. — and Lorain residents may soon find themselves weighing whether the changes make the game more exciting, or just more expensive.
As of April 8, 2025, a new version of Mega Millions officially launched with higher jackpots, improved odds, and larger non-jackpot prizes. But with these upgrades comes a notable shift: players now pay more per ticket, a detail that may affect how often people in Lorain and across Ohio choose to participate.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s changed — and what it could mean for Lorain players.
Higher Jackpots and a Built-In Multiplier
One of the biggest updates is the starting jackpot, which has been increased from $20 million to $50 million. This move aligns Mega Millions more closely with its main competitor, Powerball, which has long offered larger initial payouts.
In addition, every ticket now includes a built-in multiplier, replacing the previous optional $1 “Megaplier” feature. In the past, players could pay an extra dollar to multiply their non-jackpot winnings. Now, that feature is automatic — every ticket comes with a randomly drawn multiplier of 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X.
This change increases the potential value of non-jackpot prizes without requiring players to opt in. For example, matching five white balls (but not the Mega Ball) now offers a base prize of $2 million, and with the multiplier applied, it can grow to as much as $10 million.
Bigger Non-Jackpot Prizes Across the Board
The new Mega Millions prize structure increases the value of nearly every prize tier. Matching five white balls only now earns between $2 million and $10 million. Matching four white balls and the Mega Ball earns $10,000, which can grow to $100,000 with a 10X multiplier. Matching four white balls only now earns $500, up to $5,000 with a multiplier. Smaller wins, such as matching three white balls and the Mega Ball, start at $200 and can be multiplied up to $2,000.
Even the lowest tier, matching just the Mega Ball, now pays a minimum of $10, up to $50 depending on the multiplier. These changes eliminate the old $2 prize level — meaning there are no more break-even wins. Every winning ticket now pays at least $10, but with a higher ticket cost, this doesn’t necessarily translate into profit for players.
Improved Odds (Slightly)
To make jackpots more winnable, Mega Millions has reduced the number of Mega Balls from 25 to 24. This improves the odds of hitting the jackpot from 1 in 302,575,350 to approximately 1 in 290,472,336.
The overall odds of winning any prize have also improved slightly, moving from 1 in 24 to 1 in 23. While still a long shot, these changes give players a modestly better chance of taking home some form of winnings.
Key Dates and Game Format
The last drawing under the old rules took place on Friday, April 5, 2025. The first drawing under the new rules occurred on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Players still select five numbers from 1 to 70, and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 24. Drawings continue to take place Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 PM Eastern Time. Tickets purchased before the format change are still valid for prizes under the old system.
What This Means for Lorain
For regular players in Lorain County, these changes bring a mix of excitement and hesitation. On one hand, the possibility of multiplied prizes and a much larger starting jackpot is appealing. On the other, the increased cost per ticket could deter those who casually play or purchase multiple lines each draw.
Local retailers may also feel the impact. Businesses that sell lottery tickets — like gas stations, corner stores, and markets — often see upticks in traffic when jackpots climb. But if fewer people participate due to the cost, it could reduce some of that foot traffic.
Whether Lorain embraces or resists the new Mega Millions will likely depend on whether players begin to see real benefits — more frequent wins, larger payouts, and jackpots that grow faster. For now, players are being asked to pay more upfront for the promise of bigger rewards.
Summary of Key Mega Millions Changes
| Feature | Before April 2025 | After April 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket Price | $2 (plus $1 for Megaplier) | Higher (multiplier now included) |
| Starting Jackpot | $20 million | $50 million |
| Jackpot Odds | 1 in 302,575,350 | 1 in 290,472,336 |
| Overall Odds | 1 in 24 | 1 in 23 |
| Mega Ball Range | 1 to 25 | 1 to 24 |
| Multiplier Option | Optional add-on (Megaplier) | Built-in (2X–10X on every ticket) |
| Minimum Prize | $2 | $10 |
Final Thought
The Mega Millions revamp is bold, aiming to inject new energy into a decades-old game. But whether Lorain residents will continue to play — or play as often — depends on whether they believe the higher ticket cost is worth the gamble.
As with every big jackpot, all it takes is one winning ticket. The question now is: who in Lorain is still willing to take that shot?
Source: Official Mega Millions website — megamillions.com/How-to-Play/The-NEW-Mega-Millions.aspx