LOCAL

Mega Millions, Powerball prizes both push past $350 million

Sheldon S. Shafer
Courier Journal

For the first time, the jackpots being offered by both the multistate lottery games Mega Millions and Powerball have surpassed $350 million at the same time.

The jackpot for the Friday night, Aug. 11, Mega Millions drawing has been estimated at a whopping $393 million, with a one-time cash option of $246 million. Tickets are $1.

The jackpot for the Saturday night Powerball drawing is expected to be around $356 million, with a cash option of $224 million. Tickets are $2.

The games are played in most states, with both games offered by the Kentucky Lottery and the Hoosier Lottery.

Kentucky Lottery spokesman Chip Polston said Friday morning that ticket sales for both games have been brisk. "When a jackpot reaches $250 million, that's when the needle moves" and many otherwise occasional lottery players start buying tickets, he said.

Background:Mega Millions, Powerball prizes currently surpass $300 million

More:Kentucky Lottery sales surpass $1 billion for first time

More:New Kentucky Lottery CEO wants to increase ticket sales, raise state revenue

With the two jackpots continuing to rise, "players are really starting to pay attention," he said.

Lottery officials in both states advocated responsible play, with players urged to buy only the number of tickets they can afford.

The Hoosier Lottery posted an advisory on its website that said "it is important to remember that lottery games are based on random outcomes. These games of chance are a form of entertainment, at a price to you, the player.

"Depending on which game you play, your odds of winning vary. ... There is nothing you can do to improve your chances of winning, but you can decide how much to spend."

The current odds of winning a Mega Millions jackpot are one in about 258.9 million. The odds of hitting the Powerball jackpot are one in 292.2 million.

Both games involve the random drawing of five numbered balls from one set and a second drawing of one ball from another set. Both games offer a variety of lesser prizes below the jackpot.

A record $1.586 billion Powerball jackpot was shared in January 2016 by ticket holders in California, Florida and Tennessee.

Reporter Sheldon S. Shafer can be reached at 502-582-7089, or via email at sshafer@courier-journal.com.