Mega Millions Tickets Going Up in Price, Promising Bigger Winnings
In a significant development for lottery enthusiasts, Mega Millions has announced a substantial price increase for its tickets, set to take effect in April 2025. The cost of a single…

Someone in New Jersey won the $1.13 billion Mega Millions Tuesday night. Guess that means we’re all moving on to Powerball tonight.
Photo Illustration by Scott Olson/Getty ImagesIn a significant development for lottery enthusiasts, Mega Millions has announced a substantial price increase for its tickets, set to take effect in April 2025. The cost of a single ticket will more than double, rising from the current $2 to $5. This marks only the second price adjustment in the game's 22-year history, with the previous increase occurring in 2017 when tickets went from $1 to $2.
The decision to raise ticket prices comes as part of a comprehensive overhaul of the Mega Millions game. Lottery officials claim that this change will bring several benefits to players:
- Improved Odds: While specific details are yet to be released, Mega Millions representatives assert that the chances of winning the jackpot will improve.
- Larger Jackpots: The price increase is expected to result in bigger initial jackpots and faster-growing prize pools.
- No Break-Even Prizes: Under the new system, all winning tickets will pay out more than the $5 ticket cost, eliminating the current scenario where matching just the Mega Ball results in a $2 return.
- Integrated Multiplier: Each ticket will now include a built-in multiplier for second-prize winnings, enhancing payouts for those who match five numbers but miss the Mega Ball.
Joshua Johnston, lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium, expressed optimism about the changes, stating, "We expect more billion-dollar jackpots than ever before". The lottery aims to create more billionaires and millionaires as jackpots climb to unprecedented levels.
However, the price increase comes at a time when ticket sales have been declining, with even billion-dollar jackpots sometimes receiving lukewarm responses. Mega Millions hopes that by offering larger prizes more frequently, they can reignite interest in the game and boost overall revenue. While some regular players may continue to participate despite the higher cost, there are concerns about attracting new customers. The success of this strategy remains to be seen, as players weigh the increased ticket price against the promise of better odds and larger payouts.
It's spooky season and some of North Carolina's best haunted attractions are right here in Fayetteville! There's some solid science behind the allure of safe, scary adventures. People are drawn to Halloween haunted houses and trails for a variety of psychological and social reasons. The controlled fear experienced in these attractions triggers a rush of adrenaline, endorphins, and dopamine in the brain, creating an exhilarating "fight-or-flight" response without any real danger. This biochemical surge can produce a natural high, similar to the runner's high, leaving people feeling energized and euphoric afterwards.
Haunted houses also offer a form of escapism, allowing people to immerse themselves in fantastical and thrilling scenarios far removed from everyday life. The elaborate sets, costumes, and special effects create a captivating alternate reality.
See? It's not just you loving those creepy jump scares. So, grab a pal and get spooky at some of the best haunted attractions North Carolina has to offer.
Backwoods Terror Ranch-Fayetteville, NC
Located in Fayetteville, this attraction features three terrifying haunted experiences, including Surgeon Manor.
2990 Sunnyside School Road
Fayetteville, NC 28312
Ticket info here
Stoney Point Trail Of Terror- Fayetteville, NC
Located at 7221 Stoney Point Rd, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28306. Ticket information here.
"Come see why our customer's come back year after year to support our haunted attraction. Giving our customers' memories that last and scares that are remembered for over 20 years."
Haunted Forest at Panic Point-Youngsville, NC
This popular attraction in Youngsville offers five haunted attractions, including a Haunted Forest, Dark Trail, Hayride, and more!
Located at 2808 Cedar Creek Rd, Youngsville, North Carolina 27596. Ticket info here
Phobia Haunted Trail- Leland, NC
Located in Leland, this haunted trail features live actors, fog machines, chainsaws, and strobe lights. "Phobia Haunted Trail is a Halloween haunted house attraction located at 2859 Maco Rd NE Leland NC 28451. Phobia Haunted Trail is now in it's 7th season and it only gets better and scarier. It takes about 30 minutes to survive. Phobia Haunted Trail is a Fall seasonal weekend attraction, open Friday Saturday and Sunday from 8PM to Midnight STARTIG OCTOBER 4, 2024. This is a live actor event. "
Ticket info here
Zombie Paintball Hayride-Fayetteville, NC
Offered at Black Ops Paintball in Fayetteville, this attraction combines a haunted hayride with zombie paintball shooting. Located at 2112 River Rd, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28312
Ticket info here
Hollerin Haunts Hayride- Clinton, NC
Located at 914 Bud Johnson Road in Clinton, NC, Hollerin Haunts Hayride will scare the Yell out of you! With three different terrifying haunted attractions on site, there's enough fright to go 'round! Ticket info here