Since the launch of the new Mega Millions game on April 8, there has been a significant increase in non-jackpot prizes. In just nine drawings over the first month, players have won $51.3 million in non-jackpot prizes, a substantial rise from the $12.5 million that would have been awarded under the previous game matrix.
The updated game introduced several changes, including a 2X-10X multiplier that has greatly enhanced prize values. "It's exciting to see how players are reacting to the new game, especially when they win," stated Joshua Johnston, Lead Director of the Mega Millions Consortium. The changes were designed to provide greater value and understanding of the game's benefits.
The first month saw nearly 1.8 million players winning various prizes. A notable change is in the ninth prize tier, where players matching only the Mega Ball have won $18.8 million, surpassing what was previously awarded across all non-jackpot tiers combined under the old system.
Additionally, more than 587,000 players secured minimum prizes of $10 each through a base prize with a 2X multiplier, amounting to $5.87 million in total winnings at this level alone.
The introduction of a 10X multiplier has also proven popular; almost 60,000 winners at this level have collectively won over $3.8 million across different prize tiers.
Five individuals became millionaires by matching five white balls during this period—three winning $2 million each and one each winning $3 million and $4 million respectively—buying their tickets in Michigan, New York (two winners), Virginia, and Washington.
A significant jackpot win occurred just four drawings into the new format on April 18 when a ticket sold in Ohio claimed a $112 million jackpot. The jackpot then reset to $50 million and quickly grew back to $100 million for an upcoming draw on May 9.
The revamped Mega Millions offers bigger prizes at every non-jackpot level compared to its predecessor and improved odds overall with no break-even prizes. Ticket prices for this enhanced version are now set at $5 per play—the second price adjustment since its inception over two decades ago.
Mega Millions has produced seven billion-dollar jackpot winners across various states since it began in 2002 and more than 1,200 new millionaires following changes made in 2017—averaging three new millionaire winners weekly.
