No one won the big jackpots in drawings for the big lotteries last weekend, causing a rush of ticket sales for Tuesday's Mega Millions Drawing and Wednesday's Powerball.
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The Mega Millions jackpot is now at an estimated $850 million with a cash value of $628.2 million. The Powerball jackpot now stands at an estimated $730 million with a $546 million cash value. Here's what you need to know to get in on the lottery action.
When are the drawings?
Mega Millions drawings are Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. The next Mega Millions drawing is at 11 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19. Ticket sales end at 10:45 p.m. in Ohio and Kentucky.
Powerball drawings are Wednesday and Friday at 11 p.m. The next Powerball drawing is at 11 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20. Ticket sales end at 10 p.m. in Ohio and Kentucky.
How much does it cost?
Mega Millions tickets cost $2 per play. The Megaplier costs an extra $1 but the payoff could be huge. Megaplier lets players increase non-jackpot prize winnings by 2, 3, 4 or 5 times. So if you win the $1 million second-tier prize in Mega Millions, and the Megaplier number drawn is 5, your prize would be $5 million.
Powerball costs $2 per play. In Kentucky, $1 gets you a power play, which will multiply your Powerball winnings, as long as it isn't the jackpot. So if you win $100 and the power play is 3, you win $300.
Where do I buy tickets?
In Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana (and most other states) you can buy a Mega Millions or Powerball ticket at local gas stations, convenience stores and supermarkets until 10:45 p.m. on drawing night. To find locations, search on the Mega Millions and Powerball websites.
In Kentucky, residents can even purchase tickets online at Kylottery.com
In Ohio, residents can use Lottery Card available in Kroger, Buehler’s Fresh Foods and Giant Eagle stores. It allows Ohio consumers to enter draw games on their phones and get notified and paid electronically if they win.
How do I win?
To win the big prize, all six numbers on your ticket must match the winning numbers, including the Megaball or the Powerball.
Mega Millions
- Match 5 numbers (or 1 to 70) + 1 number (1 to 25) = Jackpot
- 5 + 0 = $1 million
- 4 + 1 = $10,000
- 4 + 0 = $500
- 3 + 1 = $200
- 3 + 0 = $10
- 2 + 1+ $10
- 1 + 1 = $4
- 0 + 1 = $2
Powerball
- 5 + Powerball = jackpot
- 5 + no Powerball = $1 million (If you opt for the powerplay, the max prize is $2 million)
- 4 + Powerball = $50,000
- 4 + no Powerball = $100
- 3 + Powerball = $100
- 3 + no Powerball =$7
- 2 + Powerball =$7
- 1 + Powerball = $4
- 0 + Powerball =$4
How do I pick numbers?
Mega Millions players choose six numbers: five different numbers from 1 to 70 and one Megaball number from 1 to 25. Players can select Easy Pick or Quick Pick and have the numbers auto drawn.
Powerball players choose five different numbers from 1 to 69 for the white balls; then select one number from 1 to 26 for the red Powerball. Choose your numbers on a play slip or let the lottery terminal randomly pick your numbers.
What do I do if I win?
Prizes must be claimed in the jurisdiction where the winning ticket was purchased, within a certain number of days.
Players can generally claim a prize up to $600 at any licensed lottery retailer in the jurisdiction where they bought the ticket. Prizes over $600 can be claimed at some lottery offices and at lottery headquarters.
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