CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Two of the largest jackpots in U.S. lottery history is the current status for the Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots and both are fueling strong sales in West Virginia.
According to the West Virginia Lottery, Friday’s Mega Millions jackpot is estimated at $750 million, and if won, would be the 2nd largest jackpot in game history and the 5th largest in U.S. lottery history.
Powerball sits at $640 million, which would be the 5th largest jackpot in game history and the 9th in U.S. lottery history. At its current mark, the Powerball jackpot is at its highest since March of 2019, the lottery said.
“This is the second time in history that both games have simultaneously advertised jackpots over $600 million,” West Virginia Lottery Director John Myers said in a release.
“The high jackpots have created a great deal of enthusiasm among our players, and we would love to see another Jackpot winner here in West Virginia, but we do ask that all players please play responsibly.”
The dueling jackpots combination of over $1.3 billion equals the highest total between the two since October 2018 when the $1.537 billion Mega Millions jackpot was hit in South Carolina.
West Virginia Lottery spokesperson said each jackpot will be on its 35th draw in their respective runs this weekend. It is the longest jackpot run in Powerball history and ties the record for Mega Millions.
Mega Millions drawing tickets for Friday can be purchased at any West Virginia Lottery retailer for $2 apiece, or $3 with the Megaplier option, which again increases non-jackpot prizes. All tickets must be purchased by 9:59 p.m. Friday.
To play Mega Millions, players select five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. There are nine prize tiers, ranging from $2 to the jackpot.
Tickets for Saturday’s Powerball drawing can also be purchased at any West Virginia Lottery retailer for $2 apiece, or $3 with the Power Play option, which increases your non-jackpot prizes. All tickets must be purchased by 9:59 p.m. ET Saturday.
To play, players select five numbers from 1 to 69, and then choose a Powerball number from 1-26 in the bottom section of your play slip.