Powerball and Mega Millions Lottery Jackpots: Everything You Need to Know
Are you dreaming of striking it rich or just curious about the latest Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots? This guide covers everything you need to know about the jackpots, odds, how to play, and how to watch the drawings.
Powerball Lottery Facts
Recent Powerball Jackpots
The latest Powerball jackpots have been massive, and the excitement around these draws never seems to die down. The most recent jackpot to reach $478.2 million. Here are the top 10 largest Powerball jackpots:
- $2.04 Billion – Won: November 7, 2022 in California
- $1.765 Billion – Won: October 11, 2023 in California
- $1.586 Billion – Won: January 13, 2016
- $1.326 Billion – Won: April 6, 2024 in Oregon
- $842.4 Million – Won: January 1, 2024 in Michigan
Powerball Availability
You can play Powerball in 45 states, plus the Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. There are also designated stores where you can buy Powerball tickets.
Winning Odds
- Jackpot: The odds of winning the jackpot are 292,201,338 to 1.
- Matching All Five White Balls: The odds are 11,688,053 to 1.
How to Play Powerball
- Cost: $2 per ticket.
- Numbers: 5 white balls from 1-69 and 1 red Powerball from 1-26.
- Power Play: You can increase your chances for a prize with a Power Play option.
Mega Millions Lottery Facts
Mega Millions Jackpots
Mega Millions is another popular lottery game with large jackpots. Some of the biggest Mega Millions jackpots include:
- $1.602 Billion – Won: August 8, 2023 in California
- $1.348 Billion – Won: January 13, 2022 in Maine
Mega Millions Availability
Mega Millions is available in most U.S. states, with ticket sales in 44 states plus Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Winning Odds
- Jackpot: The odds of winning the jackpot are approximately 1 in 302.5 million.
- Matching All Five White Balls and the Red Ball: The odds are roughly 1 in 12.6 million.
How to Play Mega Millions
- Cost: $2 for a regular ticket.
- Numbers: 5 white balls from 1-70, and 1 Gold Mega Ball from 1-25.
Watching the Drawings
Both Powerball and Mega Millions drawings are broadcast live online and sometimes on local television. You can watch the Powerball drawing at 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
When Can You Buy Tickets?
The deadline for buying Powerball and Mega Millions tickets varies by state. In New Jersey, the deadline is 9:59 p.m. on the draw date, while in New York, it is 10:00 p.m.
Safety Tips
Always make sure you’re purchasing your tickets from a legitimate lottery retailer. Be cautious of lottery scams, and if you suspect fraud, contact your state lottery or local authorities.
Call for Action
Ready to try your luck? Visit your local lottery retailer or use an online service like Jackpocket to purchase your tickets. Good luck!
Jackpocket – The official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.
Remember, gaming responsibly is essential. If you need help, seek out resources such as the National Council on Problem Gambling.