Mega Millions' Major Price Increase Divides Fans

Yahoo

09-04-2025

Eggs aren't the only thing getting more expensive.
The popular multi-state lottery Mega Millions has raised its prices, promising better chances to win but at a higher initial cost.
🎬 🎬
Starting with Tuesday's drawing, the price for a single ticket jumped from $2 to $5, and while the higher entry point is causing some fans sticker shock, others see it as an opportunity for better odds.
Joshua Johnston, who heads up the Mega Millions game at the Washington state lottery, told the Associated Press that they 'expect to see a big sales lift' from the increase as 'people really want big jackpots.'
Lottery officials are counting on increased revenue for the twice-weekly game increasing the odds of winning, with chances jumping from 1 in 303 million to 1 in 290 million.
That also means that the jackpot can start at $50 million instead of the previous amount, $20 million, and drive more big jackpots that garner national attention.
However, fans are divided over the news, taking to social media to share their opinions. Commenters on an Instagram post from the Texas lottery weren't sold on the higher price, commenting 'Nope,' 'No thanks,' and proclaiming, 'Pass, hope this doesn't last long.'
The sentiment was not shared on an Instagram post from the California lottery, where commenters instead wrote, 'Need to go grab some tickets to play now,' and said it was 'not a bad idea.'
New Yorkers seemed the most divided, with some taking to their state's lottery social media presence to comment, 'I won't play until the jackpot gets to $500 Million,' while others were confused by the price increase, writing, '5 bucks for a ticket why.'