One more drawing before big changes come to the Mega Millions: Here's what to know

Friday marks a big day for the Mega Millions, but not just because of the jackpot up for grabs.

Instead, Friday marks the last Mega Millions drawing before its "mega" overhaul, where ticket prizes and the odds of winning big are set to increase, as well as other new features for the popular lottery game.

Changes to the game were announced last week, but were previously teased in October 2024.

"Beyond big jackpots, players told us they want bigger non-jackpot prizes and that's exactly what this new game delivers," Joshua Johnston, lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium, said in a news release.

Here's what to know about the Mega Millions overhaul set to debut next week.

When is the first drawing of the new game?

The first drawing of the new game is at 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 8.

How much will new Mega Millions tickets be?

Mega Millions tickets will be more than doubling with the overhaul, at $5 per play. Currently, one ticket is $2.

This is only the second time Mega Millions tickets have increased. The first time was in 2017, when tickets increased from $1 to $2.

Mega Millions including built-in 'Multiplier'

Though ticket prices are increasing, new Mega Millions tickets will include a built-in "Multiplier," which increases non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, five or 10 times.

Previously, in some states, a Multiplier, known as a "Megaplier," was available for an extra dollar add-on. Likewise, the "Just the Jackpot" feature available in some states will be retired, according to a news release.

Increased starting jackpot, non-jackpot prizes

In the new game, the Mega Millions starting jackpot is $50 million. This is up from a starting jackpot of $20 million in the current game.

Non-jackpot prizes will also see a bump. These prizes will be between $10 and $10 million, according to a news release. In the current game, non-jackpot prizes are between $2 and $1 million.

Increased overall, jackpot odds

The new, overhauled game will also feature increased odds. The overall odds of the game will be 1 in 23, compared to 1 in 24, according to a news release. And the jackpot odds will be 1 in 290,472,336, compared to 1 in 302,575,350.

How do you play the Mega Millions?

To play the Mega Millions, you first have to buy a ticket. Tickets are sold at a variety of locations, including local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In some states, tickets can be purchased online.

Once you have a ticket, pick six numbers. Five of the numbers will be white balls with numbers from 1-70. The gold Mega Balls will range from 1-24 in the new game, where they previously ranged from 1-25.

If you'd rather let fate decide your luck, you can ask for a "Quick Play" or an "Easy Pick." These options let the computer randomly generate numbers for you.

Where can you buy Mega Millions tickets?

Mega Millions tickets can be purchased in person at local gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visitjackpocket.com/tos for full terms.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.