Natural State News

Lottery players in Arkansas will soon experience a revamped version of Mega Millions, following the final drawing of the current game on Friday, April 4. The new version introduces larger prizes at all non-jackpot levels, improved odds for winning the jackpot, increased starting jackpots, and faster-growing prize pools. The first draw under this updated structure is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, at 10 p.m. Central Time.

Arkansas Scholarship Lottery Executive Director Sharon Strong stated, “Our players told us they want bigger prizes and that’s exactly what this new game delivers.” She added that both jackpots and non-jackpot prizes are increasing while overall odds are improving with these national changes.

The price per play for the new Mega Millions will rise to $5. This marks only the second price adjustment since the game's inception over two decades ago and the first change since 2017 when the current matrix was adopted. As part of this transition, the "Megaplier" add-on feature will be discontinued and replaced by a built-in multiplier.

If no one wins the jackpot in the April 4 drawing, it will roll into the new game and continue growing with ticket sales from this revised version. Players holding winning tickets issued before this change have up to 180 days from their draw date to claim their prize based on the previous prize matrix.

Mega Millions has been notable for producing seven billion-dollar jackpot winners across different states since its launch in 2002. Following changes made in 2017, more than 1,200 players have become millionaires through this lottery.

Mega Millions is available in 45 states as well as Washington D.C., and U.S. Virgin Islands with drawings held every Tuesday and Friday night at 10 p.m. Central Time in Atlanta, Georgia. Lottery proceeds benefit various causes depending on jurisdictional allocation.

Since its establishment in 2009, Arkansas Scholarship Lottery (ASL) has generated over $7.8 billion in sales while contributing more than $1.4 billion towards scholarships benefiting Arkansas students through awards administered by Arkansas Department of Higher Education.

For further details about ASL including scholarship information or problem gambling support services visit MyArkansasLottery.com or contact National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.