MASSACHUSETTS — More than a year after Mega Millions increased the price of a ticket from $2 to $5, early sales data suggests the higher cost has led to fewer players purchasing tickets.

According to data released by the Massachusetts State Lottery, Mega Millions sales in Massachusetts totaled approximately $111.3 million between April 8, 2024, and April 4, 2025. During the first year after the price increase took effect, sales fell to roughly $85 million—a decline of about 24 percent.

The $5 ticket price, which took effect in April 2025, was part of a major overhaul of the multi-state lottery game. Along with the higher price, Mega Millions introduced larger starting jackpots, improved jackpot odds, a built-in prize multiplier, and a guaranteed minimum prize of $10 for winning tickets. Lottery officials said the changes were designed to create more billion-dollar jackpots and larger payouts for players.

Despite the game’s enhanced prize structure, many players appear to be buying fewer tickets. Lottery officials have also noted that a lack of massive jackpots during the past year likely contributed to lower sales, as ticket purchases traditionally surge when jackpots climb into the hundreds of millions—or even billions—of dollars.

While fewer tickets have been sold, the higher ticket price means each purchase generates more revenue than before. Whether the new format proves successful over the long term may depend on whether larger jackpots can attract enough players to offset the decline in ticket sales.

Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday night and are available in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.