Powerball's Power Play and Mega Millions' Megaplier both promise bigger non-jackpot prizes for a little extra per ticket. Here's what they actually do — and what they don't.
What a multiplier add-on does
For an extra dollar (pricing can vary by state), you can add:
- Power Play on a Powerball ticket
- Megaplier on a Mega Millions ticket
If you win a non-jackpot prize, that prize is multiplied by the Power Play or Megaplier value drawn for that night (for example 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x — exact options and rules depend on the game and current format).
What they do *not* do
Multipliers do not:
- Improve your chance of matching the winning numbers
- Multiply the jackpot itself (jackpot rules are separate)
- Turn a losing ticket into a winner
They only change the payout size of certain lower-tier prizes when you already have a winning combination.
How to think about "worth it"
There's no universal right answer. A multiplier increases your cost per ticket and, when you hit an eligible prize, can increase that prize. Whether that trade-off feels worthwhile depends on how you like to play — not on a secret edge.
A clear way to frame it:
- Extra cost → slightly higher spend per draw
- Extra upside → only on specific non-jackpot prizes
- Jackpot odds → unchanged
Where to dig into the numbers
For prize structure and chances, see Powerball odds and Mega Millions odds. After each draw, check winning numbers and reported multipliers on Powerball results and Mega Millions results.
Quick summary
- Power Play / Megaplier can boost some non-jackpot prizes
- They do not improve your odds of winning
- The jackpot is not multiplied the same way lower prizes are
- Treat the add-on as a preference, not a strategy
Play responsibly — for entertainment only.