The Megaplier is an optional feature in some states that play the Mega Millions lottery. It allows players to multiply their non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4 or 5 times for an additional $1 per play. However, not all states that offer Mega Millions also offer the Megaplier option. Here is a look at which states currently allow players to purchase Megaplier with Mega Millions tickets.
States That Offer Megaplier
There are a total of 15 states plus the District of Columbia that participate in the Megaplier option as of October 2023:
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
These are all of the jurisdictions that currently offer the Megaplier option with Mega Millions ticket purchases. The Megaplier is not available in the remaining Mega Millions states.
States That Do Not Offer Megaplier
The 35 Mega Millions participating states/jurisdictions that do not offer the Megaplier option are:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Utah
- Virgin Islands
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Players who purchase Mega Millions tickets in the above states do not have the Megaplier as an option to multiply secondary prizes. The Megaplier is only available in the 15 jurisdictions listed in the first section.
Recent Megaplier Winnings
To demonstrate how the Megaplier can dramatically increase non-jackpot winnings, here are some recent examples of Megaplier prizes won in participating states:
- On July 22, 2022, two tickets sold in Illinois won $3 million each (before taxes) thanks to matching four numbers plus the Mega Ball. Their prizes were multiplied to $3 million from the original $10,000 for buying the Megaplier.
- On March 25, 2022, two tickets sold in Tennessee and Texas won $2 million each (before taxes) for matching four numbers plus the Mega Ball. Their base prizes of $10,000 were multiplied by 5 thanks to purchasing the Megaplier.
- On January 7, 2022, a ticket sold in Georgia won $30,000 (before taxes) for matching four numbers. The prize was multiplied from $500 to $30,000 thanks to the 4X Megaplier.
As demonstrated above, the Megaplier option can turn small secondary prizes into multimillion dollar winnings. The Megaplier number is drawn before each Mega Millions drawing and will be 2X, 3X, 4X or 5X. All non-jackpot prizes won are multiplied by that number, except the $1 million prize for matching 5 numbers but missing the Mega Ball.
Megaplier Odds and Prizes
Here is a summary of the Megaplier odds and prizes:
| Match | Regular Prize | Megaplier 2X Prize | Megaplier 3X Prize | Megaplier 4X Prize | Megaplier 5X Prize |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 matching numbers + Mega Ball | Jackpot | Jackpot | Jackpot | Jackpot | Jackpot |
| 5 matching numbers | $1 million | $1 million | $1 million | $1 million | $1 million |
| 4 matching numbers + Mega Ball | $10,000 | $20,000 | $30,000 | $40,000 | $50,000 |
| 4 matching numbers | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 | $2,000 | $2,500 |
| 3 matching numbers + Mega Ball | $200 | $400 | $600 | $800 | $1,000 |
| 3 matching numbers | $10 | $20 | $30 | $40 | $50 |
| 2 matching numbers + Mega Ball | $10 | $20 | $30 | $40 | $50 |
| 1 matching number + Mega Ball | $4 | $8 | $12 | $16 | $20 |
| 0 matching numbers + Mega Ball | $2 | $4 | $6 | $8 | $10 |
As shown above, the Megaplier does not multiply the jackpot prize. However, it can significantly boost the lower tier prizes. The Megaplier number drawn before each drawing will be 2X, 3X, 4X or 5X – each having equal odds of occurring.
Megaplier Purchase Options
In Megaplier states, players have the following options when purchasing Mega Millions tickets:
- Just Mega Millions – Players receive just the standard Mega Millions ticket without the Megaplier. Ticket costs $2.
- Mega Millions with Megaplier – Players receive a Mega Millions ticket plus the Megaplier option. This multiplies secondary prizes by 2X, 3X, 4X or 5X. Ticket costs $3.
- Just Megaplier – In select states, players can choose to just purchase the Megaplier feature without a Mega Millions ticket. This costs $1 per play.
The first two options are available in all 15 Megaplier states. The third option to buy just a standalone Megaplier is currently offered in Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Changes to Megaplier States
The states offering Megaplier have changed slightly over the years. Most recently:
- In May 2019, Florida discontinued the Megaplier option.
- In October 2017, Wyoming began offering the Megaplier.
- In October 2015, Delaware discontinued the Megaplier option.
Prior to the above changes, the last alteration to Megaplier states occurred in January 2010 when New Jersey began offering the multiplier option.
So in summary, since 2010 the only Megaplier state changes have been Wyoming adding, Florida dropping, and Delaware dropping the Megaplier option for Mega Millions players.
Why Some States Don’t Allow Megaplier
There are a few key reasons why some Mega Millions states do not offer the Megaplier option:
- Increased payouts – Offering bigger secondary prizes results in higher overall payouts and lower profit margins for lotteries.
- Logistics – Adding the Megaplier requires updates to lottery equipment, retailer terminals, draw procedures and claim forms.
- Legislative approval – Lotteries in some states may need special legislative authorization to change payouts and game features.
- Regional preferences – Some states have declined to sell Megaplier based on perceived local demand and interests.
Essentially, the choice to offer Megaplier involves financial, operational and legal considerations for different state lotteries. The option has been approved in 15 jurisdictions but not universally adopted across Mega Millions states.
Future Expansion of Megaplier
While some states have dropped Megaplier over the years, it’s also possible that the multiplier option is expanded to more Mega Millions states in the future. Reasons why Megaplier may continue growing include:
- Players enjoy bigger prizes – Megaplier payouts get attention and create excitement.
- Good for sales – Lotteries offering Megaplier have seen measurable revenue increases.
- Reciprocity – Neighboring states add it to remain competitive.
- Precedent – Now that over 30% of states allow it, others are more likely to add.
However, the decision ultimately lies with each individual lottery and its state government. The unique considerations around finances, operations and laws in each jurisdiction determine whether Megaplier will be added. But there is certainly potential for the Megaplier option to continue expanding to more Mega Millions states if conditions are favorable.
How to Check Megaplier Availability
For players interested in whether they can purchase Megaplier with Mega Millions in their state, there are a few easy ways to check:
- Visit your state lottery website – State lottery sites have information about all current game options and features.
- Check lottery retailer terminals – Retailers selling Mega Millions can confirm on screen if Megaplier is available.
- Look for “Megaplier Yes/No” – Mega Millions play slips in some states designate if Megaplier is offered.
- See a Megaplier checkbox – If present on play slips, players can mark to add Megaplier.
- Ask a lottery retailer – Store clerks selling lottery tickets know which games and features are available.
Using one of the above options, Mega Millions players can easily determine if they live in an area currently allowing Megaplier purchases. The feature availability may also change over time, so it’s helpful to periodically check on the latest status.
Drawbacks of the Megaplier
While the Megaplier has some clear benefits, there are also a few potential drawbacks to consider:
- Reduced jackpot rollovers – More prize money goes to lower tiers instead of the jackpot.
- Better odds for match-5 prize – Matching 5 numbers without Mega Ball has higher 1 in 701,584 odds vs. jackpot’s 1 in 302,575,350 odds.
- Higher price – $3 tickets cost 50% more than $2 standard Mega Millions tickets.
- Taxes – Megaplier winnings may push players into higher tax brackets.
Weighing the advantages against the downsides allows players to decide if Megaplier fits their Mega Millions strategy and budget. There are logical reasons to play with or without the multiplier option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every state have Megaplier?
No, Megaplier is currently available in just 15 participating Mega Millions states plus the District of Columbia. The remaining 35 Mega Millions jurisdictions do not offer the Megaplier option.
What are the benefits of Megaplier?
The main benefits of Megaplier are the chance to multiply secondary prizes by up to 5 times and the potential for much larger prizes on match-4 and match-3 wins.
Can you buy Megaplier on its own?
In most Megaplier states, it has to be purchased along with a $2 Mega Millions ticket for a total of $3. However, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia allow players to buy standalone Megaplier for $1 per play.
When did Megaplier start?
The Megaplier feature was introduced in January 2011. Originally only available in certain Mega Millions states, it has expanded and contracted over the years to the current list of 15 states plus D.C.
Can Megaplier multiply the jackpot?
No, the Megaplier only applies to the eight secondary prize tiers in Mega Millions. It does not impact the jackpot amount for matching all six numbers.
How does Megaplier work?
Players in Megaplier states can pay an extra $1 for the chance to have secondary prizes multiplied by 2, 3, 4 or 5 times. The Megaplier number drawn before each drawing dictates the multiplier.
Conclusion
The Megaplier add-on feature for Mega Millions is currently offered in 15 participating states plus Washington D.C. It provides the opportunity to boost secondary prizes by up to 5 times their original amounts. Interested players in Mega Millions states can check lottery websites, retailer terminals or play slips to see if Megaplier is available where they live. While not universally offered across all jurisdictions, the Megaplier option adds extra excitement and potential winnings for Mega Millions ticket buyers who have access to it.