Attention Mega Millions players: Mega Millions starting jackpot amounts and minimum jackpot increases are changing following the Friday, April 3, drawing.
Indeed, in the context of the global pandemic affecting different aspects of people’s lives, the Mega Millions Consortium (the national group that oversees the game) announced a temporary change of rules. If you play the Mega Millions lottery regularly, you’ll start to see a change to the amount of money up for grabs. Following the lead of Powerball, the other national lottery game, Mega Millions officials decided to reduce the value of future jackpots. This helps the lottery make sure that ticket sales can support prizes while at the same time continuing to raise proceeds for their beneficiaries.
Under the new game rules, jackpots for the Mega Millions game will be determined on a drawing by drawing basis based on ticket sales and interest rates. This means the game will not have a guaranteed starting jackpot of $40 million or a guaranteed increase between drawings of $5 million.
The changes are in direct response to slowing sales during the current global pandemic. Typical sales patterns have been altered because the current health crisis has required people to stay home. We are concerned, first and foremost, with everyone’s health and well-being. Meanwhile, these adjustments will allow the states and jurisdictions that sell Mega Millions tickets to continue generating much-needed revenue to support state budgets.
Gordon Medenica, lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium and director of the Maryland lottery
The entire topic of playing the lotteries during a public health and economical crisis created many controversies in the US and around the globe. Critics say that the lottery has become a public health risk as players are congregating in stores, even if they don’t have other purchases to make. State officials across the US have argued that lotteries generate essential funding for public services and that they can’t afford to forgo, especially right now.
But, the option of purchasing Mega Millions tickets online eliminates any health concern and also saves travel expenses. So, the good news is, you can continue to play Mega Millions online from South Africa. Although not huge, jackpots are still appealing and certainly worth a shot.
