MEGA MILLIONS® rolled out its biggest game update in over 20 years this April. The new format is now live across all participating states, including West Virginia, and it’s brought some notable changes to how you can play the iconic game of chance.
The ticket price may have gone up to $5, but there’s now a built-in multiplier on every play. Previously, you’d need to buy the Megaplier separately if you wanted that feature.
Now it’s automatic. Any non-jackpot prize you win also gets multiplied by a randomly drawn number between 2X and 10X, potentially boosting your winnings up to $10 million.
Drawings still happen every Tuesday and Friday. And gameplay itself hasn’t changed either. You’ll pick five white ball numbers from one to 70 and one Mega Ball from one to 25. What’s different is that the jackpot now has the potential to grow more quickly between draws and how the prize tiers are structured.
What you get with the $5 ticket?
Your $5 play includes entry into the draw, an automatic multiplier applied to any non-jackpot win, and access to all nine prize tiers. Plus, not only does the jackpot faster now when nobody wins the top prize, but the starting amount has also increased.
Playing online
You can buy MEGA MILLIONS tickets online from anywhere in the state through the West Virginia Lottery’s iPLAY platform, as long as you have a reliable internet connection. You’ll find Quick Pick for random number selection, advance play for up to 26 drawings, and auto-renewal options so you won’t miss a draw.
There’s also a new Jackpot Chase feature that lets you set a minimum jackpot amount – meaning the system will use your pre-deposited funds to buy tickets when the jackpot hits your chosen threshold.
If you win a non-jackpot prize, the money goes straight into your account, and you’ll get notified. For larger winnings, you may have to arrange in-person collection. You’ll also be notified and will find information on how to collect or withdraw any winnings through your account.
More value built into every ticket
With the new format, every MEGA MILLIONS® ticket delivers more than just entry into the drawing. The built-in multiplier, now standard with each $5 play, adds extra value without requiring any additional selections or fees.
Non-jackpot prizes start at $2 and can be multiplied up to 10X — offering increased prize potential across all eight non-jackpot tiers. Whether you’re playing online or in-store, the updated structure ensures that any prize you win will exceed the cost of your ticket.
Where to buy tickets?
You can purchase your tickets for upcoming MEGA MILLIONS® draws through the official West Virginia Lottery page or at any licensed retailer. Android users can download the iPLAY app from the Lottery website, and iOS users will find it in the App Store.
Remember, MEGA MILLIONS® is a game of chance. The format changes might add value, but there’s never a guaranteed outcome. Play responsibly and within your means, utilizing the tools available to you through your iPLAY account.
