What is Megaplier?

Written by Jackpot Staff

Updated: May 5, 2026

In the world of lottery games, there are various components that enhance the game and increase prizes if you win. One of these is Megaplier, an automatic add-on when playing Mega Millions. Its purpose? To multiply your winnings by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, and 10X their value.

Whether you're a seasoned lottery player or just starting, understanding the concept and mechanics of Megaplier can significantly improve your lottery experience. Dive in and explore Megaplier with Jackpot.com.

Mega Millions 101

Mega Millions is one of the largest and most popular lottery games in the United States. Each Mega Millions ticket costs $5, and players select six numbers from two separate pools: five different numbers from 1 to 70 (white balls) and one number from 1 to 24 (Mega Ball).

The Megaplier feature multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 times, and is randomly assigned to tickets at the point of purchase. This means that a second-tier prize of $1,000,000 can become as much as $5,000,000 if the 5X Megaplier is drawn​.

How Does Megaplier Work?

Previously, Megaplier was a paid add-on for Mega Millions players and cost an extra $1 to put on your ticket. However, updates were made to the game in April 2025 and now it is simply included in all tickets.

The exciting thing about the Megaplier is how it can turn relatively small prizes into larger ones. If you win a $500 prize in Mega Millions and the Megaplier number 4 is drawn, then your winnings would be multiplied by 4 and bank you a total prize amount of $2,000 — a marked increase in the base prize. Even smaller prizes of $7 can be multiplied as many as five times.

The Quick History of Megaplier

Megaplier was first introduced by the Texas Lottery in 2003 and integrated into other states in 2010. It was designed as an enhancement feature to provide players with an extra opportunity to increase their winnings, adding excitement and value to the game. The current system, which allows prizes to be multiplied by up to 5X, has been in place since 2013​. In 2025, Megaplier was made a guaranteed feature of Mega Millions along with other changes.

Does The Megaplier Increase Odds of Winning The Jackpot?

Unfortunately, no, the Megaplier does not increase the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot.

The Megaplier is an optional feature that allows players to multiply their non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 times, depending on the Megaplier number drawn. It does not affect the jackpot prize or the odds of winning the jackpot.

The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot remain the same regardless of whether you choose the Megaplier option or not. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350​. The purpose of the Megaplier is solely to enhance the lower-tier prizes, providing an opportunity for players to increase their winnings if they do not win the jackpot.