Mega Millions, Powerball jackpots combine to top $1 billion

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RALEIGH, N.C. (WITN) – Two big lottery jackpots are up for grabs this week, with a combined total of more than $1 billion.

The North Carolina Education Lottery has announced that the Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots have a combined total of more than $1 billion.

Tonight’s Mega Millions drawing will have a $576 million jackpot available. The winner will have the option of taking that home as an annuity or $253.9 million in cash.

Wednesday’s Powerball drawing will have a $434 million jackpot available as either an annuity or $194.7 million in cash.

“Lottery players love the chance to play for big jackpots, and this week they have over a billion reasons to get excited with Mega Millions and Powerball both rolling at the same time,” said Mark Michalko, chief executive officer of the N.C. Education Lottery. “We are all rooting for a big North Carolina win this week.”

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