Mega-Changes to the MegaMillions Lottery

MegaMillions changed their rules on October 31st, 2017 with the intention of allowing for larger jackpots. Judging by the October 2018 jackpot that plan worked pretty well! Having customarily been the bridesmaid to Powerball’s bride in terms of record-breaking jackpots, these new rules should allow MegaMillions to compete for the title of world’s largest jackpot going forward. Of the top 15 highest lottery jackpots of all time, 11 are currently held by Powerball with MegaMillions making up the other four. Expect that balance to change in future as MegaMillions will produce more monster jackpots.

Bigger Jackpots

Up until now the MegaMillions lottery required that you choose 5 numbers from 1 to 75 plus a Megaball from 1 to 15. From October 2017 when the rule changes came into effect, you instead pick 5 balls from 1 – 70 and a Megaball from 1 to 25. The minimum jackpot was also boosted to $40 million from $15 million.* While the changes to the numbers drawn may seem minor, in fact this affects the probability of wins in a number of different ways.

It is more difficult to win the main jackpot now that the rule changes have been implemented, as the odds have increased to more than 300 million to one from around 250 million to one. This will mean more rollovers, which in turn will mean higher jackpots – that’s why we may well see a record-breaking MegaMillions jackpot over the next few years. However, the rule changes also make it roughly 30% easier to win the second tier $1 million prize, so we can expect to see more MegaMillions millionaires as well. All of the lower tier prizes doubled in value, so even though the main jackpot is more difficult to win it is good news when it comes to all of the lower tier prizes. The draws still take place every Tuesday and Friday night in Atlanta, Georgia USA at approximately 11pm, which equates to 4am on Wednesday and Saturday in the UK.

Of course you will still be able to bet on MegaMillions at Lottoland, where the rule changes came into effect at the same time. This means that UK Lottolanders will benefit from the improved odds of winning that $1 million second tier prizes, and can also bet on what we expect to be those enormous jackpots going forward. MegaMillions has lain down a market for Powerball with these rule changes, so we wait to see whether the other American giant lottery will respond.Betting on MegaMillions Online

Three Steps to Betting on MegaMillions Online

• Step 1: Log in to your Lottoland account and click the More Jackpots tab, then the MegaMillions icon.
• Step 2: Choose your numbers and the Draw to bet on plus Duration.
• Step 3: Place your bet!

*On April 3rd 2020, Mega Millions underwent some major changes to its format. There are no longer minimum jackpots or rollovers as all Mega Millions jackpots are now established based on total ticket sales and interest rates with no fixed amount. The rules change comes as a result of slowing lottery sales in the United States due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Lottoland will continue to offer bets on Mega Millions results with jackpots matching the official amounts.  

Last updated: April 2020