One more thing about Mega Millions ... I was thinking a few days ago whether they would still pay a 'full' 2nd prize during lower lottery revenue these days.
For instance in my last earlier post with the example of someone playing the same set of numbers three times for each draw with the extra dollar. OK ... they don't hit the jackpot but their numbers have come out and so does the Megaplier 5x. They have three tickets and have just won $15 million ... are they still going to collect the full prize?
I have searched the MM website for any changes to this part of the game. I can find nothing indicating the winner would not get $15 million ... but there may be something somewhere in fine print that has been added.
If anyone is playing the MM this way ... the same numbers 3, 4 or 5 times for each draw ... you should get in contact with your state lottery and the Mega Millions site for them to verify that they will pay 'all' the money won.
It would be a shame to spend a lot of money and not get paid what is supposed to be paid for the 2nd prize.
I found this at the MM website and nothing else:
"What is the Megaplier?
Most states use a Megaplier feature in which players can increase non-jackpot prize winnings by 2, 3, 4 or 5 times. In a participating state, you can play the Megaplier for an extra $1. Any non-jackpot prize won on a Mega Millions play will be multiplied by the Megaplier number drawn if you have purchased the Megaplier feature. For example, if you win the $1 million second-tier prize in Mega Millions, and the Megaplier number drawn is 5, your prize would be a whopping $5 million if you purchased the Megaplier for just $1 extra! To find out if your state participates, visit the lottery web site in the state in which you bought the ticket.
Megaplier
Most states offer a Megaplier feature to increase non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4 or 5 times; it costs an additional $1 per play. Before each Mega Millions drawing on Tuesday and Friday nights, the Megaplier is drawn. From a pool of 15 balls, five are marked with 2X, six with 3X, three with 4X and one with 5X. This mix results in the following odds for each of the Megaplier numbers and their associated prize values:
2 (1 in 3) / 3 (1 in 2.5) / 4 (1 in 5) / 5 (1 in 15)
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It says in the first paragraph that a ticket would pay $5 million ... don't know about CA though, if they even have the MM game. Maybe not all states participate and would pay the money ... they say to check with your state lottery.
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