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Mega Millions Calculator -- 2017 Rules
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Introduction
This tool calculates the probabilities for Mega Millions as well as any similar lottery games that utilize a system of five standard balls along with one additional ball. Powerball The values provided represent guaranteed prizes for all winnings except for the jackpot, reflecting the regulations established in 2017, which are set to expire on April 5, 2025. The shown jackpot value is an estimate of the current prize.
The return column indicates the expected winnings in relation to the amount wagered for each specific event. Essentially, it shows how the value of the prize compares to the bet made. The total return displayed in the bottom right cell illustrates the anticipated returns before factoring in taxes, the present value of annuity payments, and shared jackpot winnings.
The subsequent guidelines are derived from the most recent changes made to the rules in October 2017.
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Rules
Players are required to select 5 White Balls ranging from 1 to 70, plus one Mega Ball between 1 and 25.- The cost of a ticket is $2.
- Twice each week, the Lottery will randomly draw the same quantity of balls from the specified ranges.
- The payout structure is illustrated by the default settings of the calculator below.
- The jackpot begins at a staggering $40 million and increases by a certain percentage of ticket sales each time there is no jackpot winner.
- For an additional dollar, players can opt to include the Megaplier in their bet.
- When the Megaplier option is used, any winnings will be multiplied by a randomly selected figure, with the exception of the jackpot itself.
- The Megaplier is determined via electronic means, effectively mirroring a selection among 15 outcomes with the following frequency per multiplier: 2x (5 occurrences), 3x (6 occurrences), 4x (3 occurrences), and 5x (1 occurrence). The average multiplier comes to about 71/15, equating to approximately 4.73.
- In California, lottery regulations are quite unique, as fixed prize amounts can also increase, and there is no option for the Megaplier.
- The default winning amounts represent the latest figures as of October 27, 2017, and do not include any Megaplier adjustments.
Calculator
Disclaimer : The return values are calculated without accounting for taxes, the present value of annuity payments, or shared jackpot amounts. These elements significantly affect the total value. It is important to note that ticket sales grow exponentially relative to jackpot size, which can drastically diminish the ticket's value due to the division of the jackpot. In summary, Mega Millions does not present a favorable betting opportunity.
- Do states in the US that generate higher lottery returns tend to experience greater losses per capita compared to those with lower lottery returns?
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Related Reading
- Lottery — General page.
- Buy Lotto Online in 2025
- Are Lottery Players Smart? The Lottery Reality - An In-Depth Analysis on Lotteries
- COVID and the Lottery
- Previous inquiries submitted to Ask the Wizard regarding the lottery
- The Lottery (Still) Sucks!
- — Calculate odds for Powerball or any lottery that involves selecting five 'white balls' alongside one 'Power Ball.'
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