Big Mega Millions, Powerball Jackpots Fuel Holiday Dreams

MIDDLETOWN, Pa., Dec. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- While some people dream of a white Christmas, lottery players may instead be dreaming of "green" one: jackpots totaling $547 million are up for grabs in the Mega Millions® and Powerball® games heading into the holiday weekend.

Friday's Mega Millions jackpot offers an annuity value of $247 million and a cash prize of $155.2 million. Saturday's Powerball® jackpot offers an annuity value of $300 million and a cash prize of $191.1 million. It's the fourth time this year that Powerball has reached the $300 million mark.

"While you're running last-minute holiday errands, be sure to stop and play both games," said Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko. "Remember: you only need one ticket to win and all players must be 18 or older."

Each game costs $2 to play. In Pennsylvania, tickets for both games are sold until 9:59 p.m. on drawing nights.

To encourage responsible play, Pool Play forms are available on palottery.com for the convenience of players who wish to pool their ticket purchases with family, friends or coworkers.

The Pennsylvania Lottery has sold 17 jackpot-winning Powerball tickets since joining the game in 2002 and two jackpot-winning Mega Millions ticket since joining the game in 2010.

Learn more about how to play Mega Millions and Powerball at palottery.com.

About Us: The Pennsylvania Lottery remains the only state lottery to direct all proceeds to programs that benefit older residents. Since ticket sales began in 1972, it has contributed nearly $28 billion to fund property tax and rent rebates, transportation, care services, prescription assistance, and local services including senior centers and meals. 

Players must be 18 or older. Please play responsibly. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) for help with a compulsive gambling problem.

Visit palottery.com for winning numbers, rules, chances of winning, and to join the VIP Players Club for second chances to win. Install our official mobile app, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @PALottery.

MEDIA CONTACT: Lottery Media Relations, 717-702-8008

SOURCE Pennsylvania Lottery