Powerball and Mega Millions Jackpots Approach $1 Billion

1/4/2018
 

CONCORD, N.H. – With no winner in last night’s Powerball drawing, nearly a billion dollars awaits a lucky winner or winners over the next two days in combined Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots. The New Hampshire Lottery is announcing that the Mega Millions jackpot has increased to $445 million for tomorrow night’s drawing and the Powerball jackpot is estimated to be $550 million for Saturday’s drawing—presenting New Hampshire players with a nearly unparalleled opportunity to win $995 million dollars.

“It’s a billion dollar money cyclone!” said Charlie McIntyre, executive director of the New Hampshire Lottery. “The Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots are reaching unprecedented levels—only the record $1.56 billion Powerball jackpot of January 2016 beats the current combined total. With snow, wind and cold outside, these large, very large jackpots have our players thinking of all the ways they could spend those dollars. There’s still plenty of time to purchase tickets for Powerball and Mega Millions drawings over the next two days.”

With a $445 million Mega Millions jackpot, the fourth-largest Mega Millions jackpot in history, anticipated for tomorrow night’s (Jan. 5) drawing, the one-time cash payout is expected to reach $277.6 million.

The Powerball jackpot is expected to be $550 million, the sixth-largest Powerball jackpot on record, for Saturday’s (Jan. 6) drawing. The one-time cash payout is expected to be $347.9 million. (Estimated jackpot amounts are before taxes).

The Powerball drawing results from Wednesday, January 3, were: 2-18-37-39-42 PB-12 with a Power Play of 3.

The New Hampshire Lottery is also waiting for a $1 million Powerball winner to come forward. The winner purchased a winning ticket at the East Hampstead Store N More.

The current Powerball jackpot has been growing since October 25, when a Louisiana player claimed a $191 million jackpot.

Mega Millions drawings are held Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 PM and tickets are on sale until 9:50 PM on Friday.

Powerball tickets are on sale until 9:50 p.m. Saturday. Powerball drawings are held Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:59 PM ET.