Lottery and iLottery in the US - a Traditional and Digital Gaming Fusion

The ticket for the Mega Millions is set to increase tomorrow, the 8th of April, from the previous $2 to $5. But while the cost has risen, it will include the Megaplier, which was previously offered for an additional $1. The cost of the prizes will also be larger, and the odds of winning the jackpot are set to improve as well.

A significant change is coming to one of America's most popular lottery games. Starting Tuesday, April 8, the price of a Mega Millions ticket will rise from $2 to $5. But while players will pay more, they can expect larger prizes, better odds, and new features that promise to make the game more exciting than ever.

The revamped ticket price includes the Megaplier - an optional feature that previously cost $1 additional fee. Now built into every ticket by default, the Megaplier multiplies non-jackpot prizes, turning even smaller wins into more substantial payouts.

According to Mega Millions officials, the inclusion of the Megaplier and other structural changes will reshape the game's dynamics. For example, a prize that would have previously paid out just $2 under the old format could now be worth $10, $15, $25, or even $50, thanks to the automatic multiplier. The change also eliminates the traditional break-even $2 prize, shifting the lowest-tier wins into more rewarding territory.

"This is not just a price increase," said a Mega Millions spokesperson. "This is a complete game enhancement that gives players more value for their money. Bigger prizes, more excitement, and better odds."

Improved odds and bigger jackpots

One of the most anticipated changes is the improved odds of winning any prize. Currently, the overall odds stand at 1 in 24. Under the new rules, those odds improve to 1 in 23, thanks to a slight adjustment to the number matrix - specifically, the removal of one of the 25 Mega Balls.

While the odds of hitting the jackpot remain astronomically high, they will also improve a little - shifting from 1 in 302,575,350 to about 1 in 290,472,336. Additionally, secondary prize odds will remain the same, but their corresponding prize amounts will increase due to the built-in Megaplier.

The jackpot structure is also undergoing a major overhaul. Under the current format, the starting jackpot resets to $20 million after a win. But starting April 8, that figure jumps to $50 million. Officials for the lottery also state faster jackpot rollovers due to increased ticket revenue, potentially pushing top prizes into record-breaking territory more often. "In the new version of the game, the average jackpot win is projected to exceed $800 million," the spokesperson noted, "compared to approximately $450 million in the current game."

A rare price hike

This change marks only the second time in Mega Millions history that the ticket price has increased. When the game launched in 2002, a single ticket cost just $1. That changed in 2017 when the price doubled to $2, a move that also introduced bigger jackpots and improved prize structures. Now, eight years later, the game is evolving once again to meet player demand and market trends.

Mega Millions drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday night across 45 states, as well as in Washington, DC and the US Virgin Islands. The new $5 ticket price will take effect for all tickets purchased for the Tuesday, April 8 drawing and beyond.

As players prepare for this new chapter in Mega Millions history, officials are optimistic that the changes will be well received. This is about giving players more chances to win and making those wins more meaningful, the spokesperson said.

The $1.2 billion prize winning ticket for Mega Millions has been redeemed in California. The lucky winner is a woman named Rosemary Casarotti, and she opted for the lump sum cash option. Casarotti bought the ticket at a Circle K in December of 2024, and she came forward to claim her life-changing prize this week.

The winning ticket from the December 27, 2024, Mega Millions drawing, worth more than $1.2 billion, has finally been redeemed in the state of California. The lucky winner, Rosemary Casarotti, stepped forward this week to claim her massive prize, opting for the one-time lump sum payment instead of the full annuity payout.

The winning ticket was purchased at the Circle K Sunshine Food and Gas store in Cottonwood, California, during the holiday season. The jackpot had actually rolled over a few times before reaching the staggering amount. While the winner had up to a year to come forward, Casarotti wasted no time in securing her life-changing payout.

Lump sum payout over annuity

Rather than taking the full $1.2 billion in annuity payments spread over 30 years, Casarotti elected to receive the lump sum cash option, which amounts to over $571 million. However, this amount is subject to federal taxes amounting to 37%, bringing her net payout down to approximately $360 million.

One of the advantages for lottery winners in California is that the state does not consider lottery winnings as taxable income. This means Casarotti will not have to worry about additional state taxes on her prize, unlike winners in some other states where local taxes can significantly reduce winnings.

California Lottery policies and public records

California law mandates that lottery jackpot winners cannot remain anonymous. The rule is designed to promote transparency and public trust in the lottery system. While Casarotti's name was made public, she chose to forego a formal ceremony held by the California Lottery at the Circle K store where she purchased the winning ticket.

Despite remaining mostly private, Carolyn Becker, the California Lottery spokesperson, shared some insights about the winner's reaction. "I had the pleasure of speaking with Rosemary by phone following her win, and I can tell you with certainty how grateful she is and how happy she is to have won this money and to have supported public schools," Becker said.

Supporting education in California

The California Lottery plays a crucial role in funding the state's education system. According to officials, during the four months leading up to Casarotti's historic win, the lottery raised approximately $89.5 million for K-12 public schools, colleges, and universities in the state.

Harjinder Shergill Chima, California Lottery Director, extended congratulations to Casarotti and acknowledged her contribution to the state's educational programs. "We offer Rosemary our heartfelt congratulations for her historic win and our gratitude for her part in supporting the California Lottery's mission to provide extra money for public education," Chima said.

Circle K's big win

While Casarotti took home the grand prize, the Circle K in Cottonwood, where the ticket was sold, also became a big winner. The store received a $1 million commission from the California Lottery for selling the jackpot-winning ticket.

"It's an amazing feeling to know that our store played a part in making lottery history," stated Ishar Gill, whose family owns the Cottonwood Circle K. "Our customers are the heart of our business, and we're grateful to be a part of such an amazing community."

A historic win in lottery history

Casarotti's jackpot win ranks as the ninth-largest lottery prize in US history along with the fifth-largest in the history of Mega Millions. The game, which debuted in 1996 as The Big Game, has since become one of the most popular lotteries in the country.

The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot remain astronomical, with a lone ticket having a 1 in 302,575,350 chance of matching all five white balls along with the gold Mega Ball. Starting next month, the cost of playing Mega Millions will increase from $2 to $5 per ticket. The Megaplier, an add-on currently costing $1, will be automatically included in all future purchases.

For now, Rosemary Casarotti joins the ranks of history-making lottery winners, taking home a fortune that will undoubtedly change her life forever.

A man from Mooresville in North Carolina has just won the lottery in the state. He was able to split the Quick Pick jackpot prize after he bought the ticket online. He is now $324,000 richer - and the odds of him winning the Quick Pick were one in almost a million!

A North Carolina man's decision to try his luck online turned into a life-changing moment after he secured a share of a six-figure lottery jackpot.

Chad Welch, a resident of Mooresville, was able to purchase a Quick Pick ticket online - and it matched all five white ball numbers in the 6th of October North Carolina Education Lottery drawing. His lucky ticket was one of two that correctly matched the winning numbers, resulting in a split of the $649,128 jackpot. Welch walked away with an impressive $324,564 before taxes.

With the odds of hitting all five numbers in a Quick Pick drawing standing at a staggering 1 in 962,598 (almost one in a million), Welch's win was nothing short of extraordinary. He just collected his winnings this week and, after mandatory federal and state tax deductions, took home just over $232,000.

Winning from the comfort of home

Welch's victory demonstrates the convenience of the North Carolina Education Lottery's online platform. Cash 5, the game he played, is one of six lottery games in the state of North Carolina that offers an online purchasing option. Players can buy their tickets through the lottery's official website or through the mobile app, in addition to being able to purchase from physical retail locations.

For Thursday's upcoming drawing, the Cash 5 jackpot has reset to $100,000, giving players another chance to test their luck.

The impact of the lottery on local education

While Welch's personal fortune has taken a positive turn, the North Carolina Education Lottery also continues to benefit communities across the state. According to the lottery's official website, more than $10 million was raised last year for education programs in Iredell County, where Mooresville is located.

Proceeds from the lottery support initiatives such as school construction, college scholarships, and transportation assistance for students. The lottery has been a vital funding source for education in North Carolina, contributing millions annually to public schools and related programs.

Responsible Gambling awareness

Though stories like Welch's highlight the exciting possibilities of winning big, officials continue to emphasize responsible gambling. The lottery provides resources for those who may be struggling with gambling-related issues.

Anyone concerned about their gambling habits or those of a friend or family member can reach out to the North Carolina Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-877-718-5543. Additionally, the National Helpline for problem gambling is available at 1-800-522-4700.

A life-changing moment

Winning a significant lottery prize can be life-altering, and Welch's success serves as inspiration for many hopeful players in the state and beyond. Whether they choose to buy a ticket online or at a store, each draw presents the unique opportunity to dream big.

As the Cash 5 game continues with its daily draws, players across North Carolina will be eager to see if luck is on their side - just as it was for Welch. For those feeling lucky, the next drawing is just around the corner. But as always, the golden rule of lottery play remains: Play responsibly and within your means.