The game changed in April 2025. One fewer Mega Ball improved the jackpot odds to 1 in 290,472,336 — and the ticket price went up.
You pick five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball from 1 to 24. Before the overhaul the Mega Ball pool ran to 25.
| Item | Before | Since April 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| White balls | 5 from 1–70 | 5 from 1–70 |
| Mega Ball | 1 from 1–25 | 1 from 1–24 |
| Price per play | $2 | $5 |
| Jackpot odds | 1 in 302,575,350 | 1 in 290,472,336 |
| Starting jackpot | $20,000,000 | $50,000,000 |
There are C(70,5) = 12,103,014 ways to match the white balls, multiplied by 24 Mega Balls, giving 290,472,336. Under the old format the multiplier was 25, giving 302,575,350.
Removing one ball improved the jackpot odds by roughly 4%. Since the ticket price rose from $2 to $5 at the same time, though, each dollar spent now buys fewer chances than before.
Every non-jackpot prize is now automatically multiplied by 2×, 3×, 4×, 5× or 10×. This is included in the ticket price rather than sold as an add-on.
Draws are held on Tuesdays and Fridays, and the jackpot rolls over when nobody matches all six.
The two games are run by different organisations and use different number pools. Jackpot odds are broadly similar; Mega Millions costs more per play and applies its multiplier automatically.
| Item | Powerball | Mega Millions |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 5/69 + 1/26 | 5/70 + 1/24 |
| Jackpot odds | 1 in 292,201,338 | 1 in 290,472,336 |
| Draws | Mon / Wed / Sat | Tue / Fri |
| Price per play | $2 | $5 |
| Multiplier | Power Play add-on (+$1) | Included automatically |
The jackpot odds improved by about 4%. But the ticket price rose 2.5×, so the same budget now buys fewer plays. Measured per dollar spent, the change went the other way.
Tickets sold before the changeover are settled under the rules in force when they were sold. Anything bought now falls under the current format.
Rules, odds, and tax treatment differ from game to game. Reading two of these side by side is the fastest way to see how much.