Mega Millions changing to $2 tickets, other changes to Kansas Lottery games

Kansas Lottery games are changing this weekend.

The changes include a new version of Mega Millions launched after the Friday, Oct. 27, drawing, in which the ticket price will increase to $2, and the jackpots will be bigger; and the end of the Hot Lotto game after the Oct. 28 drawing.

According to a news release from the Kansas Lottery, Mega Millions’ first draw under the new program will be Oct. 31. There will be larger starting jackpots, with a minimum of $40 million. Currently the minimum is $15 million. There will also be higher average jackpots with faster rolls; better odds for the $1 million prize; and a $3 option for two plays to win the jackpot only, according to the Kansas Lottery.

The last drawing for Hot Lotto, which is being eliminated, is Saturday, Oct. 28, according to the lottery news release. Players will have 365 days from the date of a Hot Lotto drawing to claim prizes or submit winning and non-winning tickets in the Kansas Lottery PlayOn Players Loyalty program.

If the $12.16 million Hot Lotto jackpot is not hit Saturday, the money will roll into the starting jackpot of the new Lotto America game, according to the lottery news release. The new Lotto America, a $1 game, will have a $15 million annuity jackpot and will start Nov. 12.