Another night, another chance to win a massive lottery jackpot
DES MOINES, Iowa – Another night, another chance to win a massive lottery jackpot.
Wednesday night, it’s a $ 550 million Powerball prize. It only comes a day after no one has won a Mega Millions jackpot of $ 625 million, pushing that prize to $ 750 million for the next draw on Friday night.
The Mega Millions prize is now the fifth largest in US history.
It is only the second time that both national lottery games have surpassed $ 500 million.
The prizes have grown so much because it’s been months since someone matched all six numbers and hit one of the jackpots. The odds of winning everything are incredibly slim, one in 292.2 million for Powerball and one in 302.5 million for Mega Millions.
The jackpots listed by the lotteries are for winners who choose to be paid out via an annuity for 30 years. Nearly all winners will choose the cash option, which is estimated to be $ 411.4 million for Powerball and $ 550.6 million for Mega Millions.
Mega Millions and Powerball are both played in 45 states, as well as Washington, DC and the US Virgin Islands. Powerball is also offered in Puerto Rico.