Atlanta, GA, September 15, 2025
News Summary
Players are excited about the new Mega Millions lottery rules, featuring a jackpot increase to $50 million and enhanced prize structures. The changes also improve winning odds and introduce a prize multiplier, promising a more rewarding experience for participants. As jackpots roll over, the anticipation for the upcoming $400 million prize grows.
Atlanta, GA – Major changes to the Mega Millions lottery game took effect on April 8, 2025, significantly altering the odds and prize structures to enhance the player experience. The most notable modification is the increase in the starting jackpot, which has risen from $20 million to $50 million. This adjustment is expected to lead to faster-growing jackpots and more opportunities for players to win within a single year.
Under the new rules, players can now win between $10 and $50 for matching the gold Mega Ball, up from the previous minimum of $2. Additionally, those who match five white balls without also winning the Mega Ball now receive prizes ranging from $2 million to $10 million, increased from a flat $1 million prize. While the cost per ticket has increased from $2 to $5, the new ticket structure includes a built-in prize multiplier ranging from 2X to 10X for non-jackpot prizes, enhancing the potential rewards for players.
The latest rule changes have also improved the odds of winning any prize. Players now face odds of 1 in 23, an improvement from the previous odds of 1 in 24. The odds of winning the jackpot have also seen improvement, moving from 1 in 302,575,350 to 1 in 290,472,336. This positive change in odds can be attributed to a new game format that features 24 Mega Balls instead of 25.
On September 12, 2025, the jackpot remained unclaimed after that drawing, worth $381 million, which has now rolled over to $400 million for the next drawing. The winning numbers from the September 12 drawing were 17, 18, 21, 42, 64, and the Mega Ball 7. For those considering a cash option, it is currently valued at $185.8 million.
Notably, there have been substantial wins already in 2025, with previous jackpots of $348 million won in Virginia and $112 million in Ohio. Mega Millions drawings are scheduled to occur twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 p.m. Players can purchase tickets at various locations, including convenience stores, gas stations, and online platforms where allowed. For convenience, a “Quick Pick” option is available, allowing players to have their numbers randomly generated.
These significant changes aim to attract more participants to the Mega Millions lottery and increase overall excitement surrounding the game. As interest in the lottery continues to build, the modifications are expected to both challenge players and enhance their chances of winning substantial prizes.
As the September 12 drawing indicated, players remain eager for the upcoming $400 million jackpot, which adds to the ongoing excitement and potential for life-changing wins in future games.
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Additional Resources
- WKYC: Winning Mega Millions Numbers for $381 Million Jackpot
- USA Today: Mega Millions Winning Numbers September 12, 2025
- PJ Star: Mega Millions Numbers Tonight September 12, 2025
- Indy Star: Powerball Drawing Winning Numbers September 13, 2025
- Google Search: Mega Millions lottery
- Wikipedia: Mega Millions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mega Millions
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