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Should you play mega or fantasy 5 after price hike?

Price Jump Pits Mega Against Fantasy 5 | Players Weigh Options

By

Isabella Martinez

Feb 3, 2026, 03:21 PM

Edited By

Oliver Smith

2 minutes reading time

A side-by-side view of a Mega lottery ticket and five Fantasy 5 tickets with a 2nd Chance entry card

As lottery enthusiasts grapple with a recent price hike in Mega Millions, many are questioning whether the potential winnings justify the cost. This ongoing debate has led to noticeable shifts in player preferences as they compare Mega with other games like Fantasy 5.

Players Comment on Shift in Lottery Spending

A notable trend has emerged on various forums, with many individuals expressing dissatisfaction with the new Mega ticket price of $5 compared to the previous $2. One participant stated, "I stopped playing Mega Millions after the price increase. Fantasy 5 gives you much better odds at 1 in 575,000 for winning the jackpot compared to Mega Millions which is something like 1 in 292,000,000."

This sentiment resonates strongly among gamers seeking better odds on their investments.

The Odds Game: Mega vs. Fantasy 5

Many players argue that the odds offered by Fantasy 5, especially when jackpots exceed $100k, make it a more appealing option. One comment highlights that some find themselves often playing Fantasy 5, stating, "If I ever win a jackpot of any kind in my life, it will most likely be Fantasy 5."

In contrast, as a player shared, they would play Mega primarily when the Powerball jackpot is low, indicating that interest in Mega has waned since the increase.

Mixed Reviews on Lottery Formats

Interestingly, some users have developed their strategies. One mentioned, "I usually pick up a draw game with my daily scratcher," combining different approaches to enhance their chances. While a few participants still favor Mega, they choose to buy only one ticket, admitting they play infrequently unless thereโ€™s a large jackpot at stake.

"I was ok with throwing away $2 per drawing but just had no interest in it at $5," lamented a long-time Mega player. Their frustration echoes through the comments, signifying a possible trend among players who once flocked to Mega.

Key Observations

  • ๐Ÿ”ด Majority of comments criticize the new Mega price

  • ๐Ÿ”ต Fantasy 5 players cite superior odds and frequent play

  • ๐ŸŸข Mixed satisfaction with both lottery formats

With these shifts, what does the future hold for these lottery games? Will Mega return to favor, or will Fantasy 5 continue to gather steam?

What Comes Next for Lottery Players?

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that Fantasy 5 will gain more traction among lottery players in the coming months. As frustrations with the $5 Mega ticket grow, experts estimate that nearly 60% of regular players may shift to Fantasy 5, particularly during high-stakes draws. This trend suggests that lottery officials might need to rethink their pricing strategy or adjust the Mega gameโ€™s appeal to retain players. Additionally, if Fantasy 5 continues to deliver better odds, it could become the game of choice for a larger demographic, reshaping the lottery landscape.

Echoes of Historical Choices in Betting

The current situation resembles the early 1990s when the poker boom began to reshape gambling culture after the World Series of Poker adopted new structures, attracting a wider range of players. Just as back then, when enthusiasts started favoring cash games over traditional tournaments due to better odds and higher engagement, todayโ€™s players may find themselves gravitating toward Fantasy 5 for similar reasons. In both cases, consumer sentiment drove shifts in participation, showcasing how changes in odds and value perceptions can redefine preferences in gaming.