Atlanta, September 15, 2025
News Summary
In a significant change, Mega Millions has revamped its rules to attract more players and increase jackpot sizes. The starting jackpot now begins at $50 million, with enhanced prize options, ensuring a minimum payout for matching the Mega Ball. This overhaul aims to boost excitement and improve overall winning odds, with bi-weekly drawings providing regular chances for players to win.
Atlanta – In a significant overhaul to the Mega Millions lottery game, new rules effective April 8, 2025, have been introduced to improve the chances of winning, increase jackpots, and offer higher minimum prizes. The starting jackpot has been raised from $20 million to $50 million as part of the changes aimed at attracting more players and enhancing excitement surrounding the game.
The new regulations promise to lead to faster-growing jackpots, which should generate a larger number of chances to win throughout the year. Additionally, players who match the gold Mega Ball will now receive a minimum prize ranging from $10 to $50, a significant increase from the previous minimum of $2. Consistent with this trend, players who match five white balls (but not the Mega Ball) can win between $2 million and $10 million, compared to the flat $1 million prize offered prior to the rule changes.
Alongside the enhancements in prize structure, the cost of a Mega Millions ticket has also increased from $2 to $5. This higher price point is paired with a built-in prize multiplier that can increase non-jackpot prizes by a factor of 2X to 10X, replacing the previous $1 add-on for the “Megaplier.” The modifications have resulted in improved overall odds for winning any prize, with current odds now sitting at 1 in 23, up from 1 in 24. Odds of winning the coveted jackpot have also seen a decrease in numerical odds, moving from 1 in 302,575,350 to 1 in 290,472,336 due to the new format that features 24 Mega Balls instead of the previous 25.
As of September 12, 2025, the Mega Millions draws have carried a jackpot of $381 million, which will climb to $400 million for the next drawing. The drawing held on September 12 resulted in the winning numbers of 17, 18, 21, 42, 64, with the Mega Ball being 7. The cash option for the upcoming drawing is valued at $185.8 million.
Notably, 2025 has seen other substantial jackpots awarded through the Mega Millions, including a jackpot of $348 million won in Virginia and a $112 million winning ticket sold in Ohio. Mega Millions drawings occur bi-weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 p.m., allowing players regular opportunities to try their luck.
Tickets for the Mega Millions lottery can be purchased at various locations including convenience stores, gas stations, and online platforms where applicable. A convenient “Quick Pick” option is available, allowing players to have their numbers randomly generated for them, enhancing the ease of participation.
The recent changes to the Mega Millions game are designed not only to increase player engagement but also to create opportunities for educational prizes and community benefits as more individuals participate. As players adapt to the new structure, the appeal of the Mega Millions lottery appears poised to grow, contributing to its status as one of the most popular lottery games in the United States.
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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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