You probably already know that a major update to MEGA MILLIONS® has taken effect across participating states, bringing a higher level of value to each entry. If you play MEGA MILLIONS in West Virginia, you’ll now find an upgraded format with faster-growing jackpots, larger non-jackpot prizes, and a built-in multiplier, automatically included with every ticket.
The changes, which came into effect on April 5, 2025, apply to both in-store and online purchases, including tickets bought through the West Virginia Lottery’s iPLAY platform. Here’s what you need to know before your next draw.
What’s changed with MEGA MILLIONS®?
The headline change is the price point: a single MEGA MILLIONS® play is now $5. While the cost has increased, so has the value packed into each ticket.
Previously, you had the option to add the Megaplier for an additional fee. Now, that multiplier is automatically included in the $5 price. This means that every non-jackpot prize you win will be multiplied by a randomly drawn number between 2X and 10X—at no extra cost.
There are still nine prize levels, and the jackpot starts at a higher amount than before. Jackpots also grow more quickly thanks to improved rollover mechanics, meaning the top prize may reach significant levels sooner than under the old format.
Built-in multiplier boosts non-jackpot wins
The biggest enhancement is the automatic multiplier. For example, if you match five white balls (the second-highest prize tier), the standard payout is $1 million. With the new format, that prize could be multiplied up to $10 million depending on the drawn multiplier for that draw. All non-jackpot prize tiers benefit from this feature, including those for matching just the Mega Ball or smaller number combinations.
This new approach simplifies play—there’s no need to opt in for the multiplier—and adds more potential value to every draw.
How to play MEGA MILLIONS® now
Playing remains straightforward. Choose five numbers from 1 to 70, plus one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. Drawings continue to be held on Tuesday and Friday evenings.
You can play MEGA MILLIONS® in West Virginia either in person or through the Lottery’s online platform. When buying online, you can use Quick Pick or manually select your numbers, purchase entries for up to 26 drawings in advance, and enable auto-renewal to make sure you never miss a draw.
Digital updates and second-chance entries
With the new format, previously saved play slips and auto-renewal entries were cleared in early April. These features were restored for the updated game, so you can now manage your entries just as before.
As an added benefit, look out for the promotion that enables every $5 MEGA MILLIONS® ticket purchased using your PlayOn account to earn you a free entry into a Second Chance drawing! A total of $350,000 in prizes is available in this promotion.
Final notes
The new MEGA MILLIONS® format brings more value to every entry while keeping the same core gameplay that has made it one of the most recognised draw games in the U.S. Whether you're focused on jackpot opportunities or interested in boosted non-jackpot tiers, now is a good time to revisit how you play.
