Mega Millions Game to Adjust Then Eliminate Minimum Starting Jackpots And Jackpot Increases

On the heels of changes made to the multistate lottery game Powerball, the consortium of lotteries that operate the multistate Mega Millions game on behalf of 47 participating U.S. lottery jurisdictions has followed suit today, announced the Louisiana Lottery. Like changes made to Powerball, the new Mega Millions game changes taking place following tonight’s drawing are in response to changing player participation amid the COVID-19 health crisis.

The advertised Mega Millions jackpot for tonight, Friday, April 3, is a guaranteed $121 million. If the jackpot is won, it will reset to a guaranteed $20 million for the next drawing on April 7. If there is no jackpot winner on April 3, the jackpot will roll to an annuitized value of $127 million. 

Immediately following the drawing on April 3, the next new starting jackpot and the rate at which the jackpot increases will be established based on game sales and interest rates, with no fixed minimum amount. Subsequent jackpot amounts will be determined and announced prior to each drawing. 

“Like every industry, lotteries across the country – as in Louisiana – are doing their best to determine and adjust to a ‘new normal’ in consumer behavior amid this health crisis,” noted Lottery President Rose Hudson. “These changes to Mega Millions are another example.”

The Mega Millions game changes effective today are not expected to be permanent; however, the Mega Millions consortium will monitor sales and determine when and if the game can revert back. Previously, the starting Mega Millions jackpot was $40 million, with a minimum of $5 million increases between rolls.

“Our primary concern is to ensure the health and safety of our employees, players and retailers, while making the necessary operational adjustments to fulfill our mission to generate needed revenue for Louisiana,” Hudson added.

Louisiana has participated in the multistate Mega Millions game since 2011 and generated more than 14 Mega Millions match-5 million-dollar prizes. As with all Lottery games, 35% of sales is transferred to the state for the Minimum Foundation Program that funds K-12 public education. More information on Mega Millions, can be found on the Lottery’s website: www.louisianalottery.com/mega-millions.   

The Lottery encourages all those who enjoy its games to do so responsibly. Help for problem gambling is available by calling 877-770-7867.