How much do Mega Millions tickets cost? New price, odds among changes now in place

With a new-look Mega Millions game here and slew of changes implemented, lottery players are now facing higher odds of winning, albeit with higher ticket prizes.

"Beyond big jackpots, players told us they want bigger non-jackpot prizes and that's exactly what this new game delivers," Joshua Johnston, lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium, previously said in a news release.

The new policies were rolled out this week in anticipation of Tuesday night's drawing, where no one claimed the $54 million jackpot. The top prize has increased to $72 million ahead of the next drawing, which takes place Friday night at 11 p.m. ET.

Here's what to know about the new era for the Mega Millions.

How much are Mega Millions tickets now?

The price for Mega Millions tickets has more than doubled in price, now costing $5 per play.

This is only the second time Mega Millions tickets have increased. The first time was in 2017, when tickets increased from $1 to $2.

Mega Millions includes built-in multiplier

Though ticket prices are increasing, new Mega Millions tickets will include a built-in multiplier, which increases non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, five, or 10 times.

Previously, in some states, a multiplier, known as the Megaplier, was available for an extra dollar add-on. Likewise, the "Just the Jackpot" feature available in some states will be retired, according to a news release.

Increased starting jackpot, non-jackpot prizes

Now, the Mega Millions starting jackpot is $50 million. That's up from a previous starting jackpot of $20 million.

Non-jackpot prizes will also see a bump. These prizes will be between $10 and $10 million, according to a news release. In the previous game, non-jackpot prizes are between $2 and $1 million.

Increased overall jackpot odds

The overhauled game will also feature better odds to win. The overall odds to win a prize of any amount is now 1 in 23, compared to 1 in 24 previously, according to a news release. And the jackpot odds will be 1 in 290,472,336, compared to 1 in 302,575,350.

How do you play the Mega Millions?

To play the Mega Millions, you first have to buy a ticket. Tickets are sold at a variety of locations, including local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In some states, tickets can be purchased online.

Once you have a ticket, pick six numbers. Five of the numbers will be white balls from 1-70. The gold Mega Balls will range from 1-24 in the new game.

If you'd rather let fate decide your luck, you can ask for a "Quick Play" or an "Easy Pick." These options let the computer randomly generate numbers for you.

Where can you buy Mega Millions tickets?

Mega Millions tickets can be purchased in person at local gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell tickets.

You can also order tickets online throughJackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others).Visitjackpocket.com/tos  for full terms.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.