Mega Millions Offers Larger Opening Jackpots, Faster Growing Jackpots

Ticket Price Unchanged at $1

MIDDLETOWN, Pa., Oct. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Mega Millions® multi-state lottery game now offers larger starting jackpots, faster growing jackpots, a million-dollar second prize and better odds of winning any prize.

"Mega Millions now offers a $15 million starting jackpot and the jackpot will grow by at least $5 million each time it rolls," said Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Todd Rucci. "The overall odds of winning any Mega Millions prize have improved, which will create more winners."

The first drawing under the new Mega Millions game matrix is Tuesday, Oct. 22. The ticket price remains $1. The Megaplier® option price also remains $1.

Mega Millions drawings still consist of five white balls and one gold Mega Ball, for a total of six winning numbers.

Under the new game, the number of white balls has increased to 75 and the number of gold balls (the Mega Ball) has decreased to 15. The result will be overall odds of just 1-in-14.71 to win any prize.

Other enhancements include:

• The prize structure has changed. For example, the second prize increased from $250,000 to $1 million for matching the first five numbers.
• The Megaplier, a multiplier option which players can purchase for an additional $1 to increase their non-jackpot prizes, is expanded to include a five factor. That means a Mega Millions ticket can now win up to $5 million without matching all six numbers.

Under the new game matrix, the odds of hitting the jackpot are approximately 1-in-258,890,850.

How to Play Mega Millions: Mega Millions tickets cost $1 per play. Players pick five numbers from 1 to 75 and one number from 1 to 15 (the Mega Ball). Players may select their own numbers using a Mega Millions play slip, or they may opt for computer-selected quick picks.

For an extra $1 per play, players can add the Megaplier. Prior to the Mega Millions drawing, the Megaplier number – ranging from two to five – is randomly selected. The Megaplier applies to non-jackpot prizes.

Mega Millions tickets are sold in 43 states, Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings are held on Tuesdays and Fridays. Learn more about the game online at www.megamillions.com.

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 $23.7 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