More than $2 billion in jackpots are up for grabs in the Mega Millions and Powerball drawings this weekend.

The first chance for a big win occurs tonight in the Mega Millions drawing that offers a $336 million jackpot as an annuity or a lump sum of $151.3 million. On Saturday night, North Carolinians can try their luck at winning a $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot, or $826.4 million in cash.

Together, the two jackpots add up to $2.13 billion. The $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot ranks as the second largest ever in U.S. lottery history, just behind the world record $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot won in 2022.

“North Carolinians certainly are getting the chance to play for the life-changing jackpots they like to dream about,” said Terri Rose, chief brand officer of the N.C. Education Lottery. “So, if you are in it to win it this weekend, dream big.”

Players have nine ways to win in each drawing so they should check their numbers closely. North Carolina has seen $2 million prizes won in each of the two games recently including:
• A Johnston County man winning a $2 million prize in Monday’s Labor Day Powerball drawing.
• A Mecklenburg County woman winning a $2 million prize in the Aug. 22 Mega Millions drawing.

Saturday’s Powerball drawing will be the 42nd drawing since the Powerball jackpot was previously won in California on May 31. That’s the longest streak of consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner in the game’s history.

The odds of winning a Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 290 million. The odds of winning a Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292 million.

Tickets sold in North Carolina during these drawings raise money for education programs. An estimated $27.5 million has been raised so far in this current Powerball jackpot run. For details on how lottery funds have made a difference in North Carolina, click on the “Impact” section of the lottery’s website.