Mega Millions Arrives in Minnesota this Weekend!

Sales Start on Jan. 31

JANUARY 28, 2010 — Mega Millions®, the multi-state game with mega-jackpots that have climbed as high as $390 million, is scheduled to launch in Minnesota on Jan. 31. “Our players love to dream big and Mega Millions is a game that certainly makes that possible,” said Lottery Executive Director Clint Harris. “Offering exciting games like Mega Millions ensures that the Lottery continues to maximize contributions to important State programs,” said Harris. “The additional revenue generated by Mega Millions will benefit Minnesotans through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, Game & Fish Fund, the Natural Resources Fund and the General Fund.”

Mega Millions Facts:

  • Minnesota Launch: Jan. 31, 2010
  • Jackpots: start at $12 million. The record Mega Millions jackpot is $390 million.
  • Cost: $1 per play
  • Megaplier®: Players can add the Megaplier option for an additional $1 per play for the chance to multiply their non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3 or 4.
  • Drawings: Tuesdays and Fridays at 10 p.m. (Central Time). Drawings are held in Atlanta, Ga.
  • Sales Cutoff: 9 p.m. on drawing days to purchase a ticket for that day’s drawing.
  • Prizes: There are nine ways to win prizes by playing Mega Millions.
  • Multiple Draws: Mega Millions tickets can be purchased for as many as 14 consecutive drawings.

Mega Millions Launch Events:

  • On Feb. 1 and Feb. 2 (until 9 p.m.), when players make a $5 Powerball® or a $5 Mega Millions purchase (on one ticket), they will automatically receive a free Mega Millions ticket.
  • The Lottery is hosting a Mega Millions launch party at the Mall of America on Feb. 6 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Best Buy® Rotunda. Event participants will have the chance to win prizes, including a $2,000 shopping spree. Visit www.mnlottery.com for details, including official rules.

The play style and big jackpots offered by Mega Millions are similar to Powerball®, but there are several important differences between the two games:

  Mega Millions Powerball
Starting Jackpot $12 million $20 million
Match 5 Prize $250,000 $200,000
Match 5 Prize with multiplier option for an extra $1 per play $500,000, $750,000 or $1 million with Megaplier $1 million with Power Play®
Drawings Tuesday & Friday at 10 p.m. held in Atlanta, Ga. Wednesday & Saturday at 9:59 p.m. in Orlando, Fla.
Winning the Jackpot Match 5 numbers (5 of 56) plus Mega Ball (1 of 46) Match 5 numbers (5 of 59) plus Powerball (1 of 39)
Odds to Win the Jackpot 1 in 175.7 million 1 in 195.2 million
Record Jackpot $390 million $365 million
Payment Options Jackpot winners have 60 days from the claim date to choose to be paid in 26 equal annual payments or to receive the cash optio Jackpot winners have 60 days from the claim date to select either the 30-year graduated annuity or the cash opti

Proceeds from the Minnesota State Lottery benefit all Minnesotans. Since 1990, the Lottery has raised more than $1.8 billion for state programs. The General Fund has received over $1 billion to help fund important functions such as education, public safety and health and human services. Another $704 million has funded critical environmental programs.Lottery players must be 18 years of age or older. Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know needs help with a gambling problem, call (800) 333-HOPE.