The Mega Millions lottery game will face some major changes with the drawing scheduled for April 8.
The new version of the game will have improved odds to win and jackpots will start at $50 million, according to a news release from the Virginia Lottery.
The cost per ticket will increase from $2 to $5.
A multiplier for non-jackpot prizes will be included in each ticket purchase. The megaplier will no longer be available.
The final drawing with the current game structure will be on April 4.
“Virginians have supported the Mega Millions game since we were one of the game’s founding states in 2002,” said Khalid Jones, Virginia Lottery executive director. “We think our players will be excited by a new and improved version the game.”
The new prize matrix for Mega Millions is available on the Virginia Lottery website.
The profit from the sale of each ticket in Virginia goes to support K-12 public schools. In fiscal year 2024, the lottery raised more than $934 million for K-12 education, making up approximately 10 percent of Virginia’s total public school budget.
Virginia has had nine Mega Million jackpot wins since the game started in 2002. There have also been seven winners of billion-dollar jackpots in other states.
Mega Millions is played in 45 states, as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Drawings are held Tuesday and Friday nights at 11 p.m.
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Crystal Graham
