how much does it cost to play mega millions

A standard Mega Millions ticket currently costs $5 per play in most U.S. jurisdictions.

Current ticket price

• Mega Millions raised the base price from $2 to $5 starting with the April 8, 2025 drawing.

• This is the second price increase in the game’s history; it previously went from $1 to $2 in 2017.

What the $5 ticket includes

• For $5 , you pick five numbers from 1–70 and one Mega Ball from 1–25 , or use a Quick Pick.

• The new $5 structure includes a built‑in random multiplier on non‑jackpot prizes (typically 2×–10×), so you no longer pay extra for a separate “Megaplier” add‑on.

Quick‑reference pricing table

Item| Price (USD)
---|---
Standard Mega Millions play| $5.00 137
Previous standard play (before 2025)| $2.00 379
First historical price (early 2000s)| $1.00 79

Why the price went up

• The $5 price is tied to an overhaul that brings larger non‑jackpot prizes , better odds of winning the jackpot , and higher starting jackpots that grow faster.

• Lotteries say the change aims to keep jackpots “life‑changing” while giving players more value per dollar when they do win smaller tiers.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.