The Mega Millions lottery is a popular game offering massive jackpots. A key feature that many players opt for is the Megaplier, which can significantly increase non-jackpot winnings. But how much does adding the Megaplier cost, and what’s the total ticket price?
Standard Mega Millions Ticket Cost
A single Mega Millions ticket without the Megaplier costs $2. This price allows you to select six numbers: five white ball numbers (from 1 to 70) and one gold Mega Ball number (from 1 to 25).
The Megaplier: Adding to the Excitement (and Cost)
The Megaplier is a feature that multiplies your non-jackpot winnings. For an additional $1 per play, if you match numbers that qualify for a prize (other than the jackpot), your winnings are multiplied by the Megaplier number.
Megaplier Values
The Megaplier value is randomly drawn before the main lottery draw. It can be one of the following:
- 2x
- 3x
- 4x
- 5x
- 10x (most exciting!)
The 10x Megaplier is the most sought-after, as it can turn a smaller prize into a substantial payout. The odds of getting the 10x Megaplier are approximately 1 in 5.
Total Cost: Mega Millions Ticket with Megaplier
Therefore, a single Mega Millions ticket with the Megaplier costs $3 ($2 for the base ticket + $1 for the Megaplier).
Power Play vs. Megaplier: A Quick Note
It’s easy to confuse the Megaplier with the Power Play offered in the Powerball lottery. Both serve the same purpose – multiplying non-jackpot winnings – but they are specific to their respective games. You can only add the Megaplier to Mega Millions tickets.
Buying Multiple Tickets
Many players purchase multiple tickets to increase their chances of winning. The cost scales linearly:
- 5 tickets without Megaplier: $10
- 5 tickets with Megaplier: $15
- 10 tickets without Megaplier: $20
- 10 tickets with Megaplier: $30
Where to Buy
Mega Millions tickets can be purchased at authorized lottery retailers in most states. Some states also offer online ticket sales.
