Higher Mega Millions Jackpots on the Way

Higher Mega Millions Jackpots on the Way

Halloween is supposed to be scary but October 31 this year it’s going to be full of excitement for players of the Mega Millions draw. Big changes are being introduced and larger jackpots are on their way.There have been some big jackpots won already this year with Patricia Busking from Illinois, USA, winning a $393m Mega Millions jackpot in the August 11 draw but a fair way behind the record jackpot of $656m five years ago. Now it’s hoped the new rules will see jackpots of that size again being up for grabs.That’s what happened after changes were made to the Powerball draw culminating in the massive $1.6bn Powerball jackpot shared by three players last year. There were also changes made to the EuroJackpot draw with more countries joining the popular lottery.The number of main numbers in the Mega Millions draw will fall from 75 to 70 but there will be 25 Mega Balls compared to the current 15. The UK Lotto draw increased the number of main balls from 49 to 59 two years ago this month.The changes will increase the chances of landing the Mega Millions jackpot from 258.9m to 1 to 302.6m to 1. If players can match the five main balls in the draw then they win the second-tier prize, just as Gloria Swanigan from California, USA, did when winning a $1m Mega Millions prize. With fewer main balls, the odds of a second-tier win drop from 1 in 18.5m to 1 in 12.6m. The chance of winning any prize will change from 1 in 14.71 to 1 in 24. There will be an increase in the cost of Mega Million ticketsOther changes see increased prizes for lower level prizes. Successfully matching four of the main numbers and the Mega Ball doubles from $5,000 to $10,000. Those who match three main numbers and the Mega Ball will now win $200, a hefty rise from the current $50. The minimum win will rise to $2 for tickets that only manage to match the Mega Ball.The most recent top prize win was on Friday October 13 when two tickets shared a $43m Mega Millions jackpot. The next Mega Millions draw is on Tuesday with a top prize of $25m having returned to a starting point of $15m. From October 31 the new starting point will be $40m, the same as for Powerball draws.Purchase your tickets online at Lottery24.com, it's quick and easy.