Mega Millions Jackpot Raised; Both Mega & Powerball Jackpots at Record Levels

January 4, 2018

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The Multi-State Lottery Association has adjusted the official Mega Millions jackpot estimate as of 11:30 a.m. January 4, 2018, for the drawing to be held January 5, 2018. It has been raised to $445 million ($277.6 million cash value).

The estimated annuity jackpot for the Jan. 5 Mega Millions drawing of $445 million is the fourth-largest in the game’s
history, and 13th-largest in U.S. lottery jackpot history.

Saturday’s Powerball jackpot is currently an estimated $550 million; $347.9 million cash value — this is now the 6th largest Powerball jackpot and 8th largest U.S. Lottery jackpot. That estimated jackpot amount could be adjusted due to strong sales at some point on Friday.

For the first time in game history, both Powerball and Mega Millions have advertised jackpots above $400 million at the same time. Powerball drawings are held Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:59 PM ET, while Mega Millions drawings are held Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 PM ET.

Tickets for both games cost $2. Players can pay an extra dollar for the Power Play and Megaplier options that increase the amount won on non-jackpot prizes. Tickets can be purchased up until 9:59 p.m. on drawing days at any West Virginia Lottery retailer.

West Virginia Lottery proceeds benefit Education, Seniors & Tourism. The West Virginia Lottery has produced more than $9.5 Billion in proceeds to benefit the people of West Virginia since it began in 1986.