Mega Millions and Powerball Jackpots Continue to Grow; Please Play Responsibly
Two big jackpots are up for grabs in this week’s Mega Millions® and Powerball® drawings. Because of these high jackpots, the Nebraska Lottery reminds customers to play responsibly.
A string of drawings without a jackpot winner have grown the estimated Mega Millions jackpot to its highest level since September. The Mega Millions jackpot starts at $40 million and continues to grow by at least $5 million each drawing until it is won. There have been 15 consecutive drawings since October 26 without a jackpot winner. This run has grown the estimated jackpot for the Tuesday, December 18 drawing to $284 million or $167.9 million with the cash option selected.
Powerball has also seen its jackpot grow over the last few months. There have been 14 drawings since October 31 without a jackpot winner, growing the estimated jackpot for the Wednesday, December 19 drawing to $262 million or $155.5 million with the cash option selected.
The largest Mega Millions jackpot on record occurred in October 2018 when one winner in South Carolina won a $1.537 billion jackpot. The largest Powerball jackpot on record occurred in January 2016 when three winners in California, Florida and Tennessee split a $1.586 billion jackpot.
Play Responsibly
Because of the high jackpots, the Nebraska Lottery encourages customers to play within their means. “It’s important for Nebraska Lottery players to remember that no matter how large the jackpot is, the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302 million, and the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292 million,” said Lottery Director Brian Rockey. “Your odds of winning remain the same, regardless of how many tickets are purchased or how many people play.” If you or someone you know has a problem with compulsive gambling, please call the Nebraska Problem Gambling Help Line toll free at 800-522-4700.
Published on 12/10/2018