Jackpots increase for Mega Millions and Powerball

For the first time, both Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots have exceeded $400 million at the same time, according to the Kansas Lottery.

The jackpots for both games have been increased. The Mega Millions jackpot for Friday’s drawing is now an estimated $450 million, or $281.2 million cash value, according to the Kansas Lottery. It is the fourth largest Mega Millions jackpot ever.

The Powerball jackpot is up to an estimated $570 million, or $358.5 million cash value, for Saturday’s drawing, according to the lottery. It is the fifth largest Powerball jackpot ever.

The Kansas Lottery is offering a “Just the Jackpot” flash sale today on Mega Millions. Anyone who purchases the $3 ticket, available until 8:59 p.m., will receive an additional $1 Super Kansas Cash quick pick ticket, without additional charge. The “Just the Jackpot” ticket is two plays for $3, giving players an option to win the jackpot, but no other prize levels. The regular Mega Millions ticket cost is $2.

While the jackpots today are large, the odds of winning them are not very good. Odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are one in 292.2 million, according to the lottery’s odds chart.

The odds of winning or sharing the Mega Millions jackpot are one in 302.5 million, according to the lottery’s odds chart.

For more information, visit www.kslottery.com.