What Is the Cost of a Mega Millions Ticket?

Written by Jackpot Staff

Updated: May 5, 2026

As of 2025, Mega Millions tickets cost $5 per play. Many lottery players feel that this is expensive compared with its prior price of $2, but the change was part of a broader update to the game that introduced larger guaranteed jackpots and updated prize structures.

The entry price also includes the “Megaplier” prize multiplier feature, which increases non-jackpot prizes by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X their value. This means that you can win Match 3 plus the Mega Ball and win $2,000 instead of the standard $200 if the 10X multiplier is applied.

Looking to save a bit of cash? In some states, the "Just the Jackpot" option is available for $3, offering two plays for the jackpot prize only.

All About MegaMillions: How to Play

Mega Millions is a popular lottery draw game among frequent players as well as players who infrequently chase massive jackpot wins. Select six numbers: five from 1 to 70 (white balls) and one from 1 to 24 (the Mega Ball). You can choose numbers yourself, like for example picking your lucky numbers, or use the Quick Pick option to have the numbers auto-selected.

When Are Mega Millions Drawings?

Mega Millions drawings occur twice weekly, Tuesday and Friday evenings at approximately 11:00 PM ET. Tickets for each drawing must be purchased before the cut-off time, which varies by state but is generally an hour or two before the drawing.

What Are the Odds of Winning Mega Millions?

The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are approximately 1 in 290,472,336, making it one of the most challenging lottery games to win. However, there are nine ways to win prizes, with the overall odds of winning any prize set at 1 in 23.07. The prize structure ranges from $5 for matching the Mega Ball to the multi-million-dollar jackpot.

Just remember, lower-tier prizes can increase significantly if you take part. The Mega Millions Multiplier is assigned at random, so you could multiply your prize by 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 just by taking part.

What Are the Top Mega Millions Prizes?

The Mega Millions jackpot starts at $50 million and grows based on ticket sales and rollovers when no one wins the top prize. Other prize tiers include:

• $1,000,000 for matching all five white balls.
• $10,000 for matching four white balls and the Mega Ball.
• Various smaller prizes, including $500, $200, and $10.

Strategies for Playing Mega Millions

Lottery draw games like Mega Millions are completely random. In fact, they’re designed to be that way. That’s where the excitement lies. However, strategies can help you approach the game more thoughtfully. Here are a few suggestions by Jackpot.com:

• Mix Odd and Even Numbers: A mix of odd and even numbers is statistically more common than all-odd or all-even draws.
• Spread Out Number Groups: Avoid choosing numbers from the same group, such as all single digits.
• Use Random Selection: Avoid patterns, such as sequential numbers, as they are more commonly chosen by other players.
• Leverage Historical Data: Some players analyze past draws to identify "hot" or "cold" numbers, though this does not guarantee success.

Can You Buy Mega Millions Tickets Online?

Yes, you can purchase Mega Millions tickets online in certain states through official lottery websites or apps, including Jackpot.com. If your state does not offer online sales, tickets must be purchased in person from authorized retailers.

At Jackpot, we provide a convenient and secure way to explore lottery games like Mega Millions and see results. This includes detailed guides and online purchasing options that ensure a seamless and confident play.

Good luck and remember to play responsibly!