ALBUQUERQUE – Mega Millions® is being redesigned to bring more value to its players with larger starting jackpots and faster rolls. Starting jackpots will more than double from $15 million to $40 million, and jackpots will grow faster overall. There will be better odds to win $1 million prizes and higher secondary prizes.
The ticket price also will change, moving from $1 to $2.
The enriched Mega Millions game will debut Oct. 28. And, a new wager type, called “Just the Jackpot,” has been added for players who only want to win the jackpot. For $3, this wager will offer two Quick Pick tickets for a chance to win the Mega Millions jackpot only.
New Mexico Lottery CEO David Barden said, “Players are asking for larger, faster growing jackpots. We’re excited to offer these new game enhancements with an opportunity for players to play for just the jackpot. We believe this is a unique, fun new option for players.”
In the redesigned game, players select five numbers from 1 to 70, and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. Players will have a 1 in 24 overall chance of winning a prize.
About Mega Millions
Mega Millions is one of the world’s biggest and most recognizable lottery games. Introduced as The Big Game in August 1996 with six member states, the game grew, becoming Mega Millions in May 2002.
Mega Millions is played in 44 states, Washington D.C. and the US Virgin Islands. Mega Millions drawings are held Tuesdays and Fridays at 9 p.m. Mountain Time.
The largest Mega Millions jackpot was a $656 million prize split by three winners in Kansas, Illinois and Maryland in 2012.
Legislative Lottery Scholarships
Since 1996, the New Mexico Lottery has raised $746.7 million for education and more than 109,000 students have attended college on Legislative Lottery Scholarships.
More information about Legislative Lottery Scholarships is available at www.nmlottery.com.