Mega Millions to Offer Larger Starting Jackpots Beginning in October

Advance Play Option Begins to Taper July 23

MIDDLETOWN, Pa., July 16, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Mega Millions® multi-state lottery game is being redesigned to offer bigger starting jackpots and better overall odds beginning Oct. 22, 2013.

"The updated Mega Millions game will offer a starting jackpot of $15 million, up from the current $12 million, and will grow by at least $5 million every time the jackpot rolls," said Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Todd Rucci. "Adding to the excitement, purchasing the expanded Megaplier option will allow non-jackpot prizes to be multiplied by a factor of five – up from the current maximum of four."

This change to the Megaplier option will increase the top, non-jackpot prize to $5 million, Rucci noted.

The ticket price will remain $1. The Megaplier option price also will remain $1.

Under the new Mega Millions game matrix, the overall odds of winning any Mega Millions prize will improve to 1-in-14.71 from 1-in-40, making an estimated three times as many winners.

The overall odds of winning the game's jackpot will change to 1-in-258,890,850 from the current 1-in-175,711,536. This change is expected to lead to larger jackpot growth.

Players in the redesigned game will choose their first five numbers from a pool of 75, up from the current 56. The group of numbers in the Mega Ball pool will shrink from 46 to 15.

Mega Millions tickets normally may be purchased up to 13 weeks (26 draws) in advance. However, to prepare for these changes, the Pennsylvania Lottery must temporarily limit the game's advance play feature.

After the July 23 drawing, the number of advance draws available for purchase will continue to decrease by one until Oct. 18, the last Mega Millions drawing under the current game design.

Mega Millions tickets for the updated version of the game will go on sale beginning Oct. 19. At that time, players will again be able to purchase up to 13 weeks (26 draws) of advance-play tickets. 

Since joining the game in January 2010, Pennsylvania Lottery Mega Millions and Megaplier sales total more than $402 million, generating more than $120 million for programs benefiting older Pennsylvanians.

How to Play Mega Millions (currently): Mega Millions tickets cost $1 per play. Players pick five numbers from 1 to 56 and one number from 1 to 46 (the Mega Ball). Players can pick their own numbers or have numbers randomly selected by computer. For an extra $1 per play, players can add the Megaplier. Prior to the Mega Millions drawing, the Megaplier number – ranging from two to four – is randomly selected.

A player who matches five white balls and purchased Megaplier wins $1 million.  Other non-jackpot prizes are multiplied by the Megaplier number drawn.

Mega Millions tickets are sold in 43 states, Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings are held on Tuesdays and Fridays.

About the Pennsylvania Lottery: The Pennsylvania Lottery remains the only state lottery that designates all its proceeds to programs that benefit older residents. Since its inception in 1971, the Pennsylvania Lottery has contributed nearly $22.6 billion to programs that include property tax and rent rebates; free transit and reduced-fare shared rides; the low-cost prescription drug programs PACE and PACENET; long-term living services; and the 52 Area Agencies on Aging, including full- and part-time senior centers throughout the state.

The Pennsylvania Lottery reminds its players to play responsibly. Players must be 18 or older.

For more information, visit www.palottery.com, log in to Facebook and like us at www.facebook.com/palottery or follow us at www.twitter.com/palottery. 

Media contact: Gary Miller, 717-702-8008

SOURCE Pennsylvania Lottery

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