Mega Millions Ticket Cost: Prices, Fees & Ways to Save

Mega Millions is a multi-state lottery game sold through state lotteries across most of the United States. Since April 2025, every play includes a multiplier that used to be an optional extra. That change also raised the base price.

The current price comes from the official Mega Millions website, checked on Oct 11, 2026. We also checked two state lotteries, the Texas Lottery and the Florida Lottery, which list the same price per play. The older price is from a news report by ABC7 Chicago.

One Mega Millions play costs $5. A play is one set of numbers: five white-ball numbers and one gold Mega Ball number. You can choose your numbers or ask for a Quick Pick, where the lottery terminal picks them at random. Both cost the same.

The price applies to each play. If you buy several plays on one ticket, or enter several drawings, multiply the per-play price by the number of plays and drawings.

The price is the same across participating states. The Texas Lottery lists $5 per play, and the Florida Lottery lists a base ticket price of $5.

Before April 2025, a Mega Millions ticket cost $2 per play. Players could add an optional multiplier, called the Megaplier, for an extra charge in most states.

The game changed with the drawing on April 8, 2025. The price went up to $5, and a multiplier became part of every play. You no longer choose whether to add it, and there is no separate multiplier fee. The official game rules explain how the multiplier applies to non-jackpot prizes.

Drawings before April 8, 2025 used the old price and the optional Megaplier. Any ticket bought now follows the current rules, in every participating state.

Mega Millions drawings take place twice a week, on Tuesday and Friday nights. A ticket is valid for the drawing date printed on it. Most states let you buy the same numbers for several consecutive drawings, which you pay for up front at the regular per-play price.

Ticket sales stop shortly before each drawing. Your state lottery sets the exact cutoff time, so check it if you plan to buy on drawing day.

Your ticket is the only proof of purchase for a paper play. Sign the back if your state recommends it, keep it somewhere safe and check it against the official results. Each state lottery publishes results and explains how to claim a prize, including deadlines that vary by state. Retailers can also scan a ticket to check it.

Licensed lottery retailers sell Mega Millions tickets in participating states. These include convenience stores, gas stations and supermarkets. Some states also sell tickets through the official state lottery website or app.

Each state sets its own minimum age, online sales rules and prize claim process. Buy from licensed retailers or official state lottery channels only. Third-party courier services are not permitted everywhere.

If gambling stops being fun or causes problems for you or someone close to you, call 1-800-GAMBLER for free, confidential help.