The Mega Millions lottery is a popular game offering massive jackpots, but how much does it cost to play? This article breaks down the ticket prices, options, and potential added costs.
Standard Ticket Price
The base price for a single Mega Millions ticket is $2. This allows you to select six numbers: five white ball numbers (from 1 to 70) and one gold Mega Ball number (from 1 to 25). This is the most common way to play.
Power Play Option
For an additional $1 per ticket, you can add the “Power Play” option. This multiplies your non-jackpot winnings by 2, 3, 4, 5, or even 10 times! The Power Play multiplier is randomly drawn before the main numbers. The 10x multiplier is only available when the jackpot is $150 million or less.
Multiple Draws & Ticket Bundles
You aren’t limited to just one draw. You can purchase tickets for multiple future draws:
- Multi-Draw: Play the same numbers for 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, or 24 consecutive draws. The cost increases proportionally (e.g., 2 draws = $4, 4 draws = $8).
- Quick Pick: Let the lottery terminal randomly select your numbers; This costs the same as choosing your own numbers — $2 per line.
- Ticket Bundles: Many retailers offer pre-packaged bundles of tickets, often with Quick Pick numbers. These can vary in price depending on the number of tickets included.
Other Potential Costs
While the ticket itself is inexpensive, consider these potential added costs:
- Convenience Fees: Some online lottery services or apps may charge a small convenience fee per ticket.
- Subscription Fees: If you subscribe to a lottery service, there may be a monthly or annual subscription fee.
- Travel Costs: If you purchase tickets in person, factor in the cost of gas or public transportation.
Example Costs
Here are a few examples of total costs:
- One ticket, standard play: $2
- One ticket, with Power Play: $3
- Two tickets, standard play: $4
- One ticket, Power Play, for 4 draws: $12
Where to Buy
Mega Millions tickets are available at authorized lottery retailers in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Some states also offer online ticket purchases through their official lottery websites or apps.
