2017 Press Releases

Exciting Changes to MEGA MILLIONS^® Offer Players a Minimum Jackpot That Is $25 Million Higher Than Before

The Delaware Lottery Encourages the Community to Learn What’s New and to Continue to Play Responsibly

(DOVER, Del.) — Beginning with the Oct. 31, 2017, MEGA MILLIONS^® draw, players will experience several changes to the way the game is played, as well as the potential winnings. Most exciting among the format changes are the new starting jackpot of $40 million—a $25 million increase—and the doubling of the third-tier prize (4+1 match) from $5,000 to $10,000. In addition, the Mega Ball number will be chosen from the range of 1–25 instead of 1–15, and non-Mega Ball numbers will decrease from a 1–75 range to 1–70. Sales of MEGA MILLIONS^® tickets reflecting the new format will begin on Oct. 28, 2017, and the cost per play will increase from $1 to $2.

“Traditionally, larger jackpots motivate more people to play, as well as increase play among regular players—which can translate into more dollars generated to support vital state programs,” said Vernon Kirk, director of the Delaware Lottery. “So we’re excited about the larger MEGA MILLIONS^® jackpot starting point. However, as always, the Delaware Lottery urges everyone to not lose sight of what is appropriate for them to spend and to always play within their means. If everyone plays only what they can afford, the Lottery can remain a fun, community-building opportunity for everyone.”

MEGA MILLIONS^® is currently offered in 44 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands, and boasts an all-time-highest jackpot of $656 million (annuity value), which was drawn on March 30, 2012. To win the MEGA MILLIONS^® jackpot, a player must match all five numbers, plus the Mega Ball number. With the updated format, players will continue to have the opportunity to pick their own numbers or have them chosen via Quick Pick, to win non-jackpot prizes on eight levels, and opt for a $1 Megaplier (in participating states), which offers the added possibility of increasing non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four or five times. Once the changes are implemented on Oct. 31, the odds of winning the jackpot will be 1 in 302,575,350, and the overall odds of winning any prize will be 1 in 24.

Key format changes and features that will remain the same for MEGA MILLIONS^® this fall:

• Increased cost per play from $1 to $2
• Increased minimum jackpot from $15 million to $40 million
• Doubling of third-tier prize (4+1 match) from $5,000 to $10,000
• Significantly higher prize for fifth tier (3+1 match), from $50 to $200
• Doubling of prizes for the following tiers: sixth and seventh (from $5 to $10), eighth and ninth (from $1 to $2)
• Increased number of plays per ticket from 5 to 10
• Change in the matrix from 5/75 to 5/70 (first numbers) and from 1/15 to 1/25 (Mega Ball)
• Improved odds of winning second-, fourth- and sixth-tier prizes
• Megaplier feature to remain the same at $1 per additional play the possibility of increasing non-jackpot winnings two, three, four or five times
• Drawing days to remain every Tuesday and Friday (11:00 p.m. EST)
• Players can continue to play up to 9:45 p.m. (EST) on drawing days
• The playslip will be the first Delaware Lottery playslip to offer advance draws on the actual slip

About the Delaware Lottery:
Since the start of operations in 1975, the Delaware Lottery has contributed more than $4.7 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, LUCKY FOR LIFE®, 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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