Powerball and Mega Millions players have two chances to win big this weekend playing for jackpots that together total $861 million.

Tonight’s Mega Millions jackpot stands at a $368 million annuity worth $193.4 million in cash. Saturday’s Powerball jackpot stands at a $493 million annuity worth $258.3 million in cash.

So far this month, players have won 12 prizes ranging from $10,000 to $1 million playing Mega Millions and Powerball.

“This month has seen lots of big wins in both games all across the state,” said Mark Michalko, executive director of the N.C. Education Lottery. “It’s important for players to remember there are nine different ways to win so check your tickets carefully after each drawing. Good luck this weekend.”

In Tuesday’s Mega Millions drawing, two $3 tickets matched four white balls and the yellow Megaball to win $10,000. Both grew to $40,000 when the 4X Megaplier hit. Check out where they were purchased:

• Saint Pauls in Robeson County using Online Play
• Charlotte at the QuikTrip on South Boulevard

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.