New Mega Millions Game: Better Odds, Larger Jackpots

By Susan Jenkins

Did you buy a Mega Millions ticket for the Tuesday drawing? If so, you may have better odds of winning a prize—and a larger jackpot. Therevisions made to the Mega Millions game, which is played in multiple states, are the first changes since 2005.

“We expect these changes will increase interest and excitement in the game,” said Stephen Martino, director of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, in a press release. “Improvements to the jackpots and better odds for winning any prize should attract players in greater numbers.”

According to the Maryland Lottery, changes to the Mega Millions game include:

• A jump in starting jackpots from $12 million to $15 million.
• A rollover of $5 million if a drawing doesn’t produce a winning ticket.
• An increase in second-tier prizes for matching five numbers from minimums of $250,000 to $1 million.
• Increased odds of winning any prize (odds improve from 1:40 to 1:15).