The Price Of This Popular Lottery Ticket Is Increasing In 2025

Mega Millions is making some big changes in 2025, including upping its ticket price for the first time in eight years — from $2 to $5. This hike is part of a plan to refresh the game and, for the first time, Mega Millions will introduce a revamped starting jackpot of $50 million — more than double the current $20 million minimum. Also, jackpots will grow faster than before, thanks to increased rollover rates, which is all about keeping players excited, especially after lottery sales dipped during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This is not a surprise because, historically, Mega Millions has balanced price hikes with enhanced value, even to its operations. So you will notice an expansion of Mega Millions digital ticket sales through platforms like Jackpocket, targeting younger people's taste for app-based purchases. Additionally, the game will strike out the "Megaplier" add-on feature available in some states that lets players enter a second drawing for $1 extra. All these are a welcome development since the odds of winning the Mega Millions lottery increased in 2025.

The new Mega Millions rules kicked off on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, as detailed on its official website and it marks the second price increase since Mega Millions launched in 2002, following previous jumps from $1 to $2 in 2017. While there are speculations in regards to some challenges and the possibility of players feeling the immediate impact, operators have framed this shift as a necessary response to evolving prize structures, emphasizing the need to sustain prize growth and maintain the game's long-term viability. Notably, Mega Millions has funded up to $46 billion for public programs like education and infrastructure since its inception — a figure directly tied to ticket sales. 

The new rules also bring in a prize structure that give players more chances to win smaller amounts, starting from $10. This update should appeal to players despite the higher costs by ensuring the prizes are more attainable. Critics of the new price point argue it might push away players watching their budgets, especially when a single person might win a massive jackpot, leaving little for others. Yet, proponents point to the success of similar strategies in other lotteries like Powerball, which increased its ticket price to $3 without losing player interest, suggesting that players might adapt to the new pricing in hopes of bigger rewards.

The new $5 price tag has stirred up mixed feelings. A lot of casual players and some business owners think the price is too high, and vendors have noticed a dip in sales. On the flip side, seasoned lottery players seem okay with the increase, pointing to the bigger jackpots as a fair exchange for the extra cost. Critics, however, argue that while the lure of massive jackpots might justify the expense for some, it could pose a greater financial risk for those who can least afford it, potentially widening the gap in financial equity.

Economists remain cautiously optimistic. States like Texas and Ohio, which rely on lottery revenue for education and senior programs (an example of what U.S states really do with lottery money), always anticipate an annual revenue boost and might most likely benefit from the change coming to Mega Millions. Still, following the price increase, expectations are set for stable lottery participation.  Looking ahead, lottery operators are likely to adopt tiered pricing models and subscription-based services to retain players. For instance, the Illinois Lottery's pilot program for recurring jackpot entries saw a high percentage uptake in 2023. Broader economic factors, such as inflation and wage stagnation, could further influence spending habits.