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ATLANTA – Mega Millions and Powerball both grew over the weekend, reaching a combined $999 million. Tuesday’s Mega Millions jackpot has leapt to $654 million – the second largest jackpot in the game’s history and fourth largest jackpot in U.S. history. Meanwhile, Wednesday’s Powerball jackpot has reached $345 million.

“Large jackpots are exciting for our players and contribute greatly to lottery-funded HOPE scholarships and grants, as well as Pre-K,” Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin said. “Every time you purchase a Mega Millions or Powerball ticket in Georgia, you invest in Georgia’s students.”

The Mega Millions jackpot has grown since July 27 and has rolled 23 times.

Mega Millions offers two jackpot payment options: the $654 million annuity prize paid out as one immediate payment followed by 29 annual graduated payments; or the cash option, which is approximately $372 million.

It only takes $2 to play Mega Millions for a chance to win big. Players can multiply prizes with the Megaplier option for an additional $1 per play. Mega Millions also offers an optional $3 wager Just the Jackpot that allows players to receive two entries for a chance to win the game’s jackpot prize only.

The Powerball jackpot has grown since Aug. 15 and has rolled 18 times.

Powerball offers two jackpot payment options: the $345 million jackpot prize paid over 29 years in 30 graduated payments; or the cash option, which is approximately $199 million.

Powerball tickets are $2 per play. Players can multiply prizes with the Power Play option for an additional $1 per play.

Mega Millions and Powerball tickets can be purchased at Georgia Lottery retailers statewide. Georgia residents also can purchase tickets via the Georgia Lottery app or online at www.galottery.com.

As with all other Georgia Lottery games, proceeds from Mega Millions and Powerball will benefit education in the state of Georgia.

Since its first year, the Georgia Lottery Corp. has returned more than $19.8 billion to the state of Georgia for education. All Georgia Lottery profits go to pay for specific educational programs, including Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship Program and Georgia’s Pre-K Program. More than 1.8 million students have received HOPE, and more than 1.6 million 4-year-olds have attended the statewide, voluntary prekindergarten program.

MEGA MILLIONS FAST FACTS

Draw Date: Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018

Estimated Jackpot Amount: $654 million

Annuity Amount: Jackpot prize paid out as one immediate payment followed by 29 annual graduated payments

Cash Option Amount: Approximately $372 million

Cost to Play: $2 per play; additional $1 per play for Megaplier; $3 for Just the Jackpot

Drawings: 11 p.m. (ET) every Tuesday and Friday

Overall Odds of Winning Any Prize: Approximately 1:24

Odds of Winning Jackpot Prize: Approximately 1:302 million

Date Jackpot Began Rolling: July 27, 2018

Number of Rolls: 23

Last Winning Jackpot Ticket: July 24, 2018 – $543 million (California)

#1 Mega Millions Jackpot: March 30, 2012 – $656 million (Illinois, Kansas and Maryland)

POWERBALL FAST FACTS

Draw Date: Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018

Estimated Jackpot Amount: $345 million
Annuity Amount: Jackpot prize paid over 29 years in 30 graduated payments
Cash Option Amount: Approximately $199 million
Cost to Play: $2 per play; an additional $1 per play to add the Power Play multiplier
Drawings: 11 p.m. (ET) every Wednesday and Saturday
Overall Odds of Winning Any Prize: Approximately 1:24.87
Odds of Winning Jackpot Prize: Approximately 1:292 million
Date Jackpot Began Rolling: Aug. 15, 2018
Number of Rolls: 18
Last Winning Jackpot Ticket: Aug. 11, 2018 – $247 million jackpot (New York)
#1 Powerball Jackpot: Jan. 13, 2016 – $1.586 billion jackpot (California, Florida and Tennessee)

For more information on the Georgia Lottery Corp., Mega Millions and Powerball, please visit:

www.galottery.com, www.megamillions.com and www.powerball.com 

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