Mega Millions and Powerball Jackpots Now Total Over $1 Billion

MIDDLETOWN, Pa., Jan. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Thanks to strong ticket sales, the Mega Millions® and Powerball® jackpots have been boosted. For only $4, players can play both games and chase separate jackpots totaling over $1 billion.

The Mega Millions jackpot for the Friday, January 5, drawing is now worth a $450 million annuity value or a $281.2 million cash prize. Mega Millions costs $2 to play. The Powerball jackpot for Saturday, January 6, was raised to a $570 million annuity value or a $358.5 million cash prize. A Powerball ticket costs $2.

"This is an exciting time because it marks the first time ever that we've seen both jackpots simultaneously reach these levels," said Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko. "We ask players to please play responsibly."

In Pennsylvania, tickets for both games are sold until 9:59 p.m. on drawing nights. Players are encouraged to play early to avoid the possibility of encountering lines at retailers. 

Pennsylvania has sold 17 Powerball jackpot-winning tickets since joining the game in 2002, and two jackpot-winning Mega Millions tickets since joining the game in 2010. Pennsylvania's largest Powerball prize was a $110.2 million cash-value jackpot claimed by a New Jersey couple in 2004. The state's largest Mega Millions jackpot was a $91.8 million cash-value prize claimed by a Virginia man in 2015.

Powerball and Mega Millions are played in 44 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Visit palottery.com for details on how to play.

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