Mega Millions, Powerball jackpots climb past $1.3 billion this weekend

Lottery players will have a chance to compete for more than $1.3 billion in combined jackpots this weekend as both Mega Millions and Powerball continue to grow.

According to the North Carolina Education Lottery, Friday night’s Mega Millions jackpot has reached an estimated $743 million. A winner could choose the annuity prize or take a lump-sum cash option of $323.4 million.

Saturday night’s Powerball jackpot stands at an estimated $600 million, with a cash option of $266.4 million.

While no one has claimed either jackpot yet, thousands of North Carolina players have still won prizes in recent drawings.

The lottery said Tuesday’s Mega Millions drawing produced more than 14,100 winning tickets across the state. Wednesday’s Powerball drawing resulted in more than 19,700 winning tickets.

The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 290 million, while the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292 million.

Mega Millions and Powerball tickets can be purchased at lottery retailers across North Carolina or through Online Play on the North Carolina Education Lottery website and official mobile app.