mega millions is offered in 44 states, the district of columbia, and the u.s. virgin islands. mega millions was added to the florida lottery on may 15, 2013. the game began its current format on october 19, 2013; since october 28, 2017, players choose 5 of 70 "white balls", and a gold-colored "mega ball" from a second pool, of 25 numbers. the odds of winning the jackpot per play are 1 in 302,575,350. games are $2 each ($1 previously); games with the "megaplier" option are $3 ($2 previously). also, the mega millions starting jackpot increased to $40 million from $15 million. the megaplier multiplies non-jackpot prizes by up to 5.