Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots speed past a combined $600 million

North Carolinians have two chances at major prizes this weekend as the Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots combine for over $600 million.

A winner in Saturday’s Powerball drawing would have the choice of taking home the $360 million jackpot as an annuity or $153.6 million in cash.

A winner in tonight’s Mega Millions drawing would have the choice of taking home the $277 million jackpot as an annuity or $117.3 million in cash.

“The weather may be cooling down but the jackpots are heating up and prizes this big are sure to grab players’ attention,’” said Mark Michalko, chief executive officer of the N.C. Education Lottery. “Remember to check your tickets carefully after the drawings. Good luck.”

While players try their luck at the jackpots, North Carolina is raking in wins from past drawings. Tuesday’s Mega Millions drawing produced over 5,800 winning tickets in North Carolina.

Wednesday’s Powerball drawing saw two $3 Power Play tickets match four white balls and the red Powerball to win $50,000. The prizes quintupled to $250,000 when the 5X multiplier came up.

• One winning ticket was purchased at Will’s Food Store III on Dallas High Shoals Highway in Dallas.
• The other winning ticket was purchased at All American Raceway on Millersville Road in Taylorsville.

The odds of winning a Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 290 million. The odds of winning a Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292 million.

Players can buy Mega Millions or Powerball tickets at any lottery retail location or through Online Play on the lottery’s website, www.nclottery.com, or with the NC Lottery Official Mobile App.

For details on how lottery funds make a difference in all of North Carolina’s 100 counties, click on the “Impact” section of the lottery’s website.