Mega Millions and Powerball Jackpots Soar

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The estimated annuity jackpot for the January 2, 2018, Mega Millions drawing has been increased to $361 million, making it the eighth-largest in the game’s history, and the estimated annuity for the January 3, 2018, Powerball jackpot is now at $440 million, making it the ninth-largest in that game’s history. The Mega Millions cash option is $225.9 Million, while the Powerball cash option is currently $278.3 million.

The current combined Mega Millions ($361 million) and Powerball ($440 million) jackpots total $801 million. This marks only the second time that both games have simultaneously had jackpots
larger than $300 million. The first time this occurred was in August 2017.

The largest Mega Millions jackpot ever was $656 million on March 30, 2012, with winning tickets purchased in Illinois, Kansas and Maryland. The largest Powerball jackpot ever was $1.586 billion on Jan. 13, 2016, with winning tickets purchased in California, Florida and Tennessee.

West Virginia has had eight Powerball jackpot winners and more than 30 winners of prizes of $1 million or more from the Powerball and Mega Millions games in its history.

Mega Millions is played in 46 jurisdictions: 44 states; Washington, D.C., and U.S. Virgin Islands. Tickets are $2; The Megaplier option which increases non-jackpot prize winnings can be added for an additional $1. Mega drawings are conducted at 11 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesdays and Fridays in Atlanta, Ga.

Powerball drawings are held every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET and are broadcast live from Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball costs $2 per play. For an additional $1 per play, the Power Play® option can multiply non-jackpot prize amounts by 2, 3, 4, or 5 times. Currently, 46 lotteries sell the Powerball game, including 44 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. Game sales remain suspended in the U.S. Virgin Islands following Hurricane Maria.

Tickets for both games may be purchased at any West Virginia Lottery retailer up until 9:59 p.m. on draw days.