Updated: May 2026 · Data source: Official game rules and historical jackpot data
Two games. Two massive jackpots. The games have real structural differences in odds, prize tiers, multipliers, and draw frequency. Here's the side-by-side breakdown.
The Side-by-Side Comparison
| Powerball | Mega Millions | |
|---|---|---|
| Jackpot odds | 1 in 292,201,338 | 1 in 290,472,336 |
| Ticket price | $2 | $5 (includes multiplier) |
| Multiplier | Power Play, extra $1, up to 10x | Built-in, always active, 2x–10x |
| Draw days | Mon, Wed, Sat | Tue, Fri |
| Main pool | 1–69 | 1–70 |
| Bonus ball | Powerball 1–26 | Mega Ball 1–24 |
Jackpot Odds — Nearly Identical
Powerball is 1 in about 292.2 million; Mega Millions is 1 in about 290.5 million. The two are effectively the same, with Mega Millions carrying a very slightly smaller pool of combinations since its April 2025 format change. Neither game gives a meaningfully better shot at the jackpot.
Ticket Price and Multiplier — Different Structures
Since April 2025, Mega Millions costs $5 per ticket and automatically includes a 2x–10x multiplier on non-jackpot prizes for every play. Powerball costs $2, with an optional $1 add-on (Power Play) for a multiplier up to 10x, capped at 10x only when the jackpot is under $150 million. Mega Millions bakes the multiplier into every ticket; Powerball makes it optional and cheaper if you skip it.
Draw Frequency — Powerball Draws More Often
Powerball draws 3 times a week versus Mega Millions' 2. That's 156 draws a year versus 104 — more opportunities to play, though it does not change the odds of any single ticket.
The Verdict
The two games are close enough mathematically that neither has a meaningful edge on jackpot odds. The real differences are ticket price, whether you want a built-in multiplier, and how often you want to play. See the even/odd strategy guide for how to personalize your number sets regardless of which game you play.
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