Illinois Player Wins $344M Mega Millions Jackpot as Game Prepares for Major Changes

The winning ticket was sold in Cortland, Illinois, just days before Mega Millions introduces a revamped structure with higher ticket prices and improved odds.

A single ticket sold at a general store in Cortland, Illinois, matched all six numbers to win the $344 million Mega Millions jackpot on March 25, 2025.
The winner can opt for a one-time cash payment of $159.1 million, with the jackpot resetting to $20 million for the March 28 drawing.
Mega Millions will implement new rules starting April 8, 2025, including a ticket price increase from $2 to $5 and larger starting jackpots of $50 million.
The revamped game will feature improved odds of winning the jackpot, reduced from 1 in 302.6 million to 1 in 290.5 million, and a built-in multiplier for non-jackpot prizes.
Non-jackpot prizes will increase significantly, ranging from $10 to $10 million, as part of the first major overhaul since 2017.