It's going to cost you more to play Mega Millions

GEORGIA — Changes to the Mega Millions lottery could win you more money but it will cost you a dollar more.

Mega Millions will more than double the starting jackpot to $40 million.

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Channel 2's Craig Lucie spoke to some players about the changes.

"I hate it; absolutely hate it," Basel Hibbert said. "It’s in pursuit to make more money, right? Obviously, it’s their thing. My thing is I’m going to play less. It decreases my odds. I will play less

The changes come after the Georgia Lottery announced record profits and raised a record amount for the Georgia HOPE scholarship, the pre-kindergarten program and other educational programs.

For 2017 fiscal year, $1.1 billion has been transferred into the state’s educational account.

"Honestly, it's not a big deal," said Markysha Cannon, who supports the Mega Millions changes. "If you look at the bigger picture, it's all about generating money revenue and I don't think there's anything wrong with that."

Mega Millions officials are increasing the amount of numbers you can play, which decreases your chance of winning from 1 in 258.9 million to 1 in 302.6 million. But they said you now have better odds at the second-place prize of $1 million.

"I’m fine with paying the extra money the odds are so slim anyway. With them being even more slim, it doesn't matter. If it's meant to be, you win," Cannon said.

The ticket price will increase from $1 to $2 beginning Oct. 28.

The next Mega Millions drawing is Friday on Channel 2.

Cox Media Group