Chicago, September 15, 2025
News Summary
The Mega Millions lottery in Chicago has undergone significant changes to enhance player experience and increase jackpot sizes. The starting jackpot is now $50 million, and there are raised prize amounts and improved odds for winning. Players can expect the chance for larger prizes with each ticket now priced at $5. These modifications aim to attract more players and generate quicker jackpot growth in upcoming draws.
Major Changes to Mega Millions Lottery Take Effect in Chicago, Improving Odds and Jackpot Potential
Chicago, IL — On April 8, 2025, the widely played Mega Millions lottery introduced significant rule changes aimed at making the game more accessible and increasing the size and frequency of jackpots. These modifications impact ticket prices, prize amounts, odds of winning, and gameplay features, offering players new opportunities and higher stakes in upcoming draws.
Key Structural Changes to the Lottery
One of the most notable changes is the increase in the starting jackpot, which now begins at $50 million, up from the previous $20 million. This boost is expected to attract more players eager to chase larger initial prizes. Additionally, the game now allows for faster jackpot growth, which is anticipated to lead to more rapid accumulation of jackpots and increased chances of multi-million dollar wins within a single year.
Alterations in Prize Structure and Ticket Cost
Players who match the Mega Ball (the gold ball) can now win a minimum prize of between $10 and $50, whereas previously, this prize was fixed at $2. For those matching five white balls, but not the Mega Ball, the prize has increased from a flat $1 million to a variable range between $2 million and $10 million.
The cost of a single Mega Millions ticket has risen from $2 to $5, reflecting the added features and increased prize values. Each ticket now includes a built-in prize multiplier that can range from 2X to 10X for non-jackpot prizes, replacing previous optional Megaplier add-ons.
Odds of Winning and Format Changes
The odds of winning any prize have improved slightly, now standing at 1 in 23, up from 1 in 24. The odds of winning the jackpot have improved more noticeably, moving to 1 in 290,472,336 from the previous 1 in 302,575,350. These improvements are a result of the new game format, which involves selecting from 24 Mega Balls, down from 25, thus slightly adjusting the number of possible combinations.
Recent Jackpot and Upcoming Draws
As of September 12, 2025, the $381 million jackpot remained unclaimed, and it has now increased to an estimated $400 million for the upcoming drawing. The winning numbers from that night’s drawing were 17, 18, 21, 42, 64, and Mega Ball 7. The cash option for the next drawing is approximately $185.8 million.
Throughout 2025, previous notable jackpots included $348 million in Virginia and $112 million in Ohio, underscoring the game’s appeal and its ability to produce substantial prizes for winners.
How and When to Play
Mega Millions drawings occur twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 p.m.. Players can purchase tickets at various locations, such as convenience stores and gas stations, and where permissible, online platforms. The “Quick Pick” option, which generates random numbers for players, remains a popular choice. Additionally, the new format’s multiplier feature offers potential prize increases, providing an extra layer of excitement without additional purchases beyond the base ticket price.
Summary
The recent changes to the Mega Millions game aim to attract more participants through larger starting jackpots, better winning odds, and enhanced prize features. With ticket prices doubling and jackpot amounts climbing steadily, players have new reasons to attempt their luck on game nights. The updated rules also seek to generate faster-growing jackpots, increasing the overall appeal and potential for life-changing wins in the near future.
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Additional Resources
- WKYC: Winning Mega Millions Numbers for $381 Million Jackpot
- USA Today: Mega Millions Winning Numbers September 12, 2025
- PJ Star: Mega Millions Numbers Tonight September 12, 2025
- Indy Star: Powerball Drawing Winning Numbers September 13, 2025
- Google Search: Mega Millions lottery
- Wikipedia: Mega Millions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mega Millions
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