Watch CBS News

Mega Millions and Powerball Jackpots Are Close to a Billion Dollars

BALTIMORE (CBSLocal) – Nearly a billion dollars in jackpot money is up for grabs between the Mega Millions and Powerball lotteries.

The MEGA Millions jackpot is expected to be $654 million Tuesday night– just $2 million shy of the record jackpot won on March 30, 2012. Ticket sales ahead of the drawing could make it a record payout.

The last time anyone matched the five white balls and golden MEGA ball was July 24. Eleven co-workers from California shared that $543 million jackpot.

If anyone matches all of the winning numbers Tuesday night they have the option to take the lump sum cash option worth $372.6 million.

Here's what you need to know before the 8 pm (Pacific time) drawing:

  • Tickets cost $2 per play
  • Players pick 6 numbers- the first 5 range from 1-70; the MEGA Ball is 1-25
  • Players can choose their own numbers or select Easy Pick/Quick Pick
  • Winners can get paid in 2 ways: Annuity (1 immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments), or Cash (one-time, lump-sum payment)
  • The "draw entry" closes at 7:45 pm (Pacific time)
  • The numbers are picked at 8 pm (Pacific time)
  • The overall odds of winning any MEGA Millions prize is about 1 in 24
  • The overall odds of winning the MEGA Millions jackpot is about 1 in 303 million

The POWERBALL drawing takes place Wednesday and is worth an estimated $345 million, with a cash value of $199 million.

Here's what you need to know before the 10:59 pm (eastern time) drawing

  • Tickets cost $2 per play
  • Players pick 6 numbers- the first 5 range from 1-69; the POWERBALL ranges from 1-26
  • Players can choose their own numbers or select Quick Pick
  • The "draw entry" closes at 7 pm (Pacific time)
  • The numbers are picked at 7:59 pm (Pacific time)
  • The overall odds of winning any POWERBALL jackpot is about 1 in 25
  • The overall odds of winning the POWERBALL jackpot is about 1 in 292 million

Follow @WJZ on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.