Here are five things you need to know about the jackpots:
1. As of Friday afternoon, the Mega Millions lottery jackpot has increased to $520 million. Lottery officials said the jackpot for tonight’s Mega Millions drawing has been raised from $490 million on Thursday to $520 million, according to www.usamega.com. The Mega Millions has a cash payout of $383.4 million.
2. This week’s Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots are just $10 million shy of a combined $1 billion. Powerball’s top prize for Saturday night’s lottery was at about $470 million with a cash option of $362.7 million.
3. Both Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots have been growing since shortly after Labor Day. Mega Millions’ sold a jackpot winner of $119 million in Wisconsin on Sept. 15. Almost 24 hours later, Powerball announced a $94 million top winner was purchased in New York, according to www.usamega.com.
4. The Mega Millions started in 2002. There was a jackpot winner in the very first Mega Millions drawing on May 17, 2002 resulting in a $28 million winning ticket in Illinois, according to www.megamillions.com.
5. The Powerball started in 1992 with 15 participating lotteries. The first drawing was held on April 22, 1992 with jackpots starting at $2 million, according to www.powerball.com.
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