2013 Press Releases
October 17, 2013
Mega Millions® To Now Offer Bigger, Faster-Growing Jackpots
And Better Overall Odds Of Winning
The Delaware Lottery Announces Enhanced Game To Begin October 19
Dover, DE - October 17, 2013 - Mega Millions® is becoming more mega than ever. Starting October 19, the multi-state lottery game will offer a $15 million starting jackpot (increased from $12 million), a $1 million second prize and better overall odds of winning. Tickets will remain $1 per game. The first drawing for the new Mega Millions will take place on Tuesday, October 22.
“Like Powerball®, the redesign of Mega Millions is intended to create more winners and will offer more value to our players,” said Lottery Director Vernon Kirk. “As a result of the Powerball game change, we’ve already seen an increased number of jackpot and large cash second-prize winners in our state. We hope to see the same result when the changes to Mega Millions take effect,” said Kirk.
A larger starting jackpot and better overall odds of winning aren’t the only enhancements in the redesigned game. Mega Millions jackpots will grow more quickly. Jackpots will increase by at least $5 million in drawings where there are no tickets matching all six numbers. Mega Millions will also feature a 5X Megaplier® in addition to existing the 2X, 3X, and 4X levels for the chance to win up to $5 million. Megaplier does not apply to jackpots, but to set cash prizes only. Players will still be able to purchase the Megaplier option for an additional $1 per game. For more information about Mega Millions complete prize structure, visit www.delottery.com.
The current overall odds of winning any Mega Millions prize are 1 in 40. Under the new game, the overall odds of winning any prize will improve to 1 in 14.71, allowing for an estimated three times as many winners.
Mega Millions play structure will remain the same with players choosing five white balls and one Mega Ball for a total of six winning numbers. However, the pool of numbers from which players choose from will increase to 75 numbers from its original 56 numbers. Players will now also choose from 15 numbers versus 46 numbers for the Mega Ball.
Under the new game structure, Mega Millions jackpot winners from the October 22 drawing and thereafter, will also be given the option to choose from a 30-year graduated annuity or lump sum cash option. Currently, the jackpot prize for the Mega Millions annuity option is paid in 26 annual payments.
Mega Millions tickets are sold in 43 states, Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings to still be held on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 p.m. with play up until 9:45 p.m.
About the Delaware Lottery:
Since the start of operations in 1975, the Delaware Lottery has contributed more than $4.1 billion to the state's General Fund to help finance needed state services that benefit everyone in Delaware. The Lottery offers a variety of games: POWERBALL®, MEGA MILLIONS®, HOT LOTTO®, MULTI-WIN LOTTO, DELAWARE CASH 5®, PLAY 3, PLAY 4, KENO®, iGaming and assorted Instant Games, Video Lottery, Sports Lottery and Table Games. Delaware Lottery game and promotional details are available at delottery.com, at licensed locations, and from the Lottery's office in Dover.
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The Delaware Lottery only publishes winner names with their consent.
