Everything has changed: MEGA MILLIONS® leveled up for West Virginia players
The game you know got a massive upgrade. If you’re playing MEGA MILLIONS® in West Virginia, recent changes mean more features, better odds, and way more value with every ticket—online or in-store.
Long-time player or completely new to draw games? Here’s what’s different and why it matters.
MEGA MILLIONS® got a major makeover
On April 5, 2025, MEGA MILLIONS® went through one of its biggest changes in over 20 years. The updates were designed to make play simpler, give you more bang for your buck, and clean up the prize structure.
Here’s the breakdown:
Each play now costs $5, but there’s a built-in multiplier feature on every ticket—no extra add-on needed. The jackpot odds improved, jackpots grow faster, and each new cycle starts at a higher amount than before. Plus, there’s full compatibility with iPLAY, including Auto-Renew and Jackpot Chase tools.
These changes make every MEGA MILLIONS® ticket stronger and easier to manage, especially when you play online through the official West Virginia Lottery website or app.
What you’re actually getting for $5
Yes, the ticket price increased from $2 (plus an additional $1 for the Megaplier) to $5. But now everything’s included in one play:
- One shot at the MEGA MILLIONS® jackpot
- Automatic entry into the built-in multiplier (ranging from 2X to 10X)
- Eligibility for nine prize tiers, with non-jackpot payouts that can hit $10 million if you match five white balls and land the 10X multiplier
Before, the multiplier cost extra. Now it’s baked in by default, so you’re getting better value without having to tick another box or pay more.
Better odds, faster jackpots
The MEGA MILLIONS® format’s still the same—pick five numbers from one to 70, plus one Mega Ball from one to 25. What changed are the jackpot odds, which shifted slightly in your favor. Top prize odds are now more accessible, thanks to adjustments in the prize matrix and the higher ticket value.
Jackpots also climb faster than they used to. When no one matches all six numbers, the prize pool jumps more aggressively. That means massive jackpots may appear more frequently than under the old structure.
And since the starting jackpot’s higher too, you won’t be waiting around as long for the prize pool to hit big numbers.
Nine ways to win every draw
MEGA MILLIONS® has always offered multiple prize tiers. That hasn’t changed. There are still nine ways to win—from matching just the Mega Ball for a basic payout, to matching all five white balls and the Mega Ball for the jackpot.
Each non-jackpot prize now benefits from the built-in multiplier (up to 10X), so potential prize values can jump significantly. All prize amounts are structured so that if you do win, your payout will always exceed the $5 ticket cost.
Digital play tools: Auto-Renew and Jackpot Chase
Playing MEGA MILLIONS® online in West Virginia through iPLAY comes with tools that make things even simpler.
- Auto-Renew allows you to purchase entries for every upcoming draw automatically. Set your preferences once, and you’ll never miss a draw—no need to log in each time.
- Jackpot Chase lets you define your own jackpot threshold. If the MEGA MILLIONS® prize hits or passes that amount, iPLAY automatically enters your numbers.
These features are only available online through the West Virginia Lottery’s iPLAY platform and can be accessed from anywhere in the state with a secure internet connection.
Second Chance opportunity for tickets
Plus, occasionally there are promotions running, such as where qualifying $5 MEGA MILLIONS® tickets also get you entry into a Second Chance promotion. This means each $5 ticket entered using your PlayON account earns an automatic entry into a draw for over $350,000 in total prizes, including a top prize of $100,000.
By using the West Virginia Lottery website or app, you may be eligible for any future promotions or bonuses.
More control, more value
Whether you play in-store or through iPLAY, MEGA MILLIONS® now gives you more control and more value per ticket. A quick recap:
One ticket, one price, everything included—no more add-ons needed. Multipliers are built in, so non-jackpot prizes can multiply up to 10X.
Odds have improved, prize potential is bigger, and tools like Auto-Renew and Jackpot Chase are built for West Virginia players on the go. Your ticket could also unlock Second Chance drawings for even more chances.
With these upgrades, West Virginians can enjoy MEGA MILLIONS® with more features, simpler choices, and digital tools that fit how you actually play. Plus, if you’re checking results from home or entering draws on the road, the new MEGA MILLIONS® format is built to give you more every time.
Want to try the updated game? Learn more about MEGA MILLIONS® in West Virginia and check current jackpots, draw times, and digital play options through the official West Virginia Lottery site.
