Changes coming to Mega Millions game

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– Changes are coming to the Mega Millions game, according to lottery officials.

SC Lottery officials say for the mega overhaul players can expect bigger jackpots, better odds, a built-in multiplier and more big wins.

The starting jackpot is increasing to $50 million, up from $20 million.

Mega Millions estimates the average jackpot win will be more than $800 million compared to the current $450 million, say officials.

The odds of winning the jackpot is improving to 1 in 290 million from 1 in 302 million.

Every non-jackpot win will multiply its base prize by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x or 10x, and prizes in the new game will range from $10 to $10 million versus the $2 to $1 million it is now.

Officials say the new game is going to create more billionaires and millionaires as the jackpot grows, and players will win a minimum of $10, not $2, on every winning ticket.

Tickets for the new and improved Mega Millions game go on sale Saturday, April 5, and will cost $5 per play.

Additionally officials say this is only the game’s second price adjustment since the first ticket was sold more than 20 years ago and the first change since the current game matrix was adopted in 2017.

The first drawing for the new Mega Millions game is Tuesday, April 8.