One year later, Mega Millions was on its way to a jackpot higher than Powerball’s. As these changes lowered the odds of winning the top prize, it was expected that a new record jackpot would soon follow. In October 2017, Mega Millions changed its rules by increasing the minimum jackpot amount and the number of Mega Balls, giving players a more exciting lottery experience. Eventually Mega Millions lost the world record when Powerball awarded a $1.586 billion jackpot in January 2016. Mega Millions nearly passed its own record when two lucky players shared a $648 million jackpot in December 2013. This was after three lucky winners shared a $656 million prize in March 2012. The Mega Millions jackpot has no cap, so it continues to increase until someone wins it.įor four years, Mega Millions held the world record for the largest lottery jackpot ever awarded. How High Can Mega Millions Jackpots Grow?