Atlanta, Georgia, September 15, 2025
News Summary
The Mega Millions lottery has announced a series of significant rule changes to enhance player experience. The starting jackpot has now increased to $50 million, and there are new prize structures for matching the Mega Ball and five white balls. Although ticket prices have risen to $5, players can expect better odds and a built-in prize multiplier. These changes are designed to engage more players and provide exciting opportunities for substantial winnings.
Atlanta, Georgia – On April 8, 2025, the Mega Millions lottery underwent significant rule changes aimed at enhancing player experience and increasing the chances of winning. With these alterations, the starting jackpot has escalated from $20 million to an impressive $50 million, which is expected to attract more players and lead to faster-growing jackpots.
The recent modifications to the game have brought various enhancements to prize structures. One notable change is the increase in the minimum prize for matching the gold Mega Ball, which has risen from $2 to a range between $10 and $50. Additionally, those who successfully match five white balls, excluding the Mega Ball, will now receive prizes ranging from $2 million to $10 million, a significant increase from the previous fixed amount of $1 million.
While the cost of a Mega Millions ticket has increased from $2 to $5, players will benefit from the introduction of a built-in prize multiplier. This multiplier, which can vary from 2X to 10X for non-jackpot prizes, replaces the former “Megaplier” option that required an additional dollar. With these new features, the odds of winning any prize have improved slightly to 1 in 23, up from 1 in 24. Furthermore, the odds of winning the jackpot have increased to 1 in 290,472,336, a minor enhancement from the previous 1 in 302,575,350.
The alteration in odds results from the new game format, which now includes 24 Mega Balls instead of the previous 25. The adjustments are part of a broader strategy aimed at making the game more engaging for participants and expanding the overall number of chances to win in a given year.
As an indication of the heightened stakes, the most recent jackpot, drawn on September 12, 2025, stood at $381 million but remains unclaimed, increasing the amount to $400 million for the upcoming drawing. The winning numbers from the September 12 drawing were 17, 18, 21, 42, 64, with the Mega Ball being 7. The cash option for this upcoming jackpot is worth $185.8 million.
Earlier this year, notable wins were recorded, including a $348 million jackpot claimed in Virginia and another $112 million jackpot awarded in Ohio. Mega Millions drawings take place biweekly on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 p.m., offering participants ample opportunities to take part in the thrilling game.
Tickets can be purchased easily at various retail locations such as convenience stores and gas stations, along with online purchases in territories where permitted. For those seeking a convenient choice, a “Quick Pick” option is available, allowing players to have their numbers randomly generated.
The adjustments to the Mega Millions format reflect an eagerness to modernize the game and make it more appealing to a wider audience. As the redesigned lottery continues to evolve, it promises to deliver more excitement and the potential for life-changing wins for its players.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
