(NewsNation) — Mega Millions is rolling out a new look, promising to increase the odds of winning and offer bigger jackpots — at a higher price.
Starting Tuesday, players will pay more to play, with ticket prices for the popular lottery game increasing from $2 to $5.
The first drawing of the revamped Mega Millions is Tuesday at 11 p.m. ET.
Mega changes to Mega Millions
This marks the second price hike in Mega Millions’ 23-year history. The last increase was in 2017, when ticket prices increased from $1 to $2.
Under the new rules, the average win is expected to be more than $800 million — significantly higher than the previous $450 million average. Even if players don’t win the grand prize, nonjackpot prizes range from $10 to $10 million.
The idea behind increased ticket prices is that the more money spent on tickets, the bigger the payout.
“You’re going to see jackpots at a billion again more often because of the higher ticket costs,” said David Glantz, who owns Buckeye Bros. Smokeshop in Springfield, Mass.
Each ticket will also have a randomly assigned multiplier that can increase your prize by up to 10 times. This was previously an add-on that cost an extra $1, according to ABC News. The multiplier, however, will not apply to the jackpot.
What is ‘jackpot fatigue’?
The new rules reportedly have two goals: Lottery officials want to address what is called “jackpot fatigue,” as well as make the Mega Millions different from the Powerball.
But what is jackpot fatigue? According to ABC News, jackpot fatigue is when prizes must grow to extremely large amounts before many players will decide to buy tickets. Now, a $300 million prize won’t make most people bat an eye, even though that kind of money used to draw lines at convenience stores.
Lottery officials reported that there is a clear connection between higher sales and larger jackpots. But ABC News spoke with Sandie Yeaman, of Omaha, Nebraska, who disagrees.
Yeaman said, “I’d be satisfied with $1 million, and so would others. One person winning $50 million is ridiculous.”
Player input prompted changes to Mega Millions
A spokesperson for Mega Millions told NewsNation the change was made based on player feedback and the desire to differentiate the game from the Powerball.
Each time there’s no jackpot winner, the prize will continue to grow. Lottery officials are banking on bigger jackpots to drive higher sales.
However, not all players are thrilled with the change.
“Instead of buying two tickets or even three tickets, now you can only buy one, and the chances of winning are so slim,” said Justin Arnold of North Providence, Rhode Island. “I’m probably going to stop playing myself now, and I’ve been playing for a while.”
If $5 is too steep a price, players can still play the Powerball for $2 or try their state lottery for about $1.
What are the new odds of winning the Mega Millions?
While the odds of winning the lottery are still slim — you’re more likely to be struck by lightning — the odds are slightly better with the new format.
Players now have a one in 23 chance of winning something, up from one in 24. The odds of winning the grand prize have improved to one in 290 million from one in 303 million.
The jackpot can also start at $50 million now, up from the previous $20 million. Each time there isn’t a winner, the jackpot will also jump by a larger amount. ABC News reported that officials expect the jackpot to top the $1 billion threshold more often.