Lottery madness! Could this Mega Millions and Powerball number help you score $2 billion?
Has March madness come to America's two biggest lotteries?
There's a chance a number associated with two of the greatest basketball players in history – one played in the real March Madness – could help someone score some of $2 billion in jackpots this week.
Yes, No. 23 worn by Michael Jordan and LeBron James now appears poised to be a winner soon in the Powerball or Mega Millions. Of course, these are random drawings, so these numbers could be stuck in their machines for months to come, too.
How much are the Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots
At the same time, both lotteries' jackpots are at some of their highest levels. The Powerball's estimated jackpot stands at $800 million (with a cash option of $384.8 million) while Mega Millions winner this week could win $1.1 billion (with a cash option of $525.8 million).
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How to play Powerball and Mega Millions games
Of course, the odds are impossibly high to win either jackpot, not to mention both lotteries: 1 in 302.6 million for the Mega Millions and 1 in 292.2 million for Powerball.
And even if the red 23 Powerball rolls out tonight or the yellow 23 Mega Millions ball rolls out on Tuesday, you'll need to pick the five other white numbers correctly out of pools of about 70 balls. That said, you'd win your money back on either of the 23s if they are winners.
Powerball jackpot jumps to $800M:Which Powerball numbers haven't won for months?
How the Mega Millions and Powerball numbers compare
Of the two 23s, the Mega Millions number has been by the far the most reclusive: It hasn't rolled out in nearly a year. That's more than five months longer the Powerball No. 23, but Powerball drawings are also held more frequently. These are the Powerball and Mega Millions numbers that haven't won recently:
How often white numbers have won in Powerball and Mega Millions?
So what white numbers would you add to your Powerball or Mega Millions ticket? All of the white numbers have hit in the past year, but some have also rolled out less frequently than the others. In these lists below you can sort the numbers by how often or how recently they've won.
When are Mega Millions and Powerball drawings?
Powerball and Mega Millions numbers are drawn on all but two nights each week at 11 p.m. ET. The next drawings:
◾ Monday, March 25: Powerball drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
◾ Tuesday, March 26: The Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET.
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in-person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms and conditions.
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