As the Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots both continue to climb, North Carolinians can play for a combined $805 million in prizes over the next two days.

Tonight’s Mega Millions drawing provides the first chance to win with a jackpot worth $343 million as an annuity or $180.1 million in cash. Wednesday night’s Powerball drawing features an even larger jackpot, worth $462 million as an annuity or $242 million in cash.

“For fans of big jackpots, this is the time to play Powerball and Mega Millions,” said Mark Michalko, executive director of the N.C. Education Lottery. “We all have our fingers crossed that someone in North Carolina will get lucky and win big this week. Have fun and remember to play smarter, not harder.”

Saturday’s Powerball drawing saw more big wins in the state as two different tickets matched four white balls and the red Powerball in the drawing:

• A $3 Power Play ticket, bought with Online Play in Charlotte, won $150,000 when the 3X multiplier hit
• A $2 ticket, purchased at the Circle K on East Parris Avenue in High Point, won $50,000

In the month of June alone, players have won nine prizes ranging from $50,000 to $1 million playing Powerball.

The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292 million. The odds of winning a Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302 million.

Players can buy Powerball or Mega Millions tickets at any lottery retail location or through Online Play on the lottery’s website, www.nclottery.com.

Ticket sales from draw games make it possible for the lottery to raise more than $2.5 million a day on average for education. For details on how lottery funds have made a difference in all of North Carolina’s 100 counties, click on the “Impact” section of the lottery’s website.