"Combined Mega Millions and Powerball Jackpots Reach Nearly $2 Billion"

The Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots have reached a combined total of nearly $2 billion, marking the first time both games have simultaneously offered such large prizes. With no jackpot winners for months, the odds of winning are dismal, with the chances of matching all six numbers being 1 in 302.6 million for Mega Millions and 1 in 292.2 million for Powerball. Winners should expect much smaller payoffs than the advertised figures, as the total payoff is based on a 30-year annuity. Both games will have drawings this week, and the massive prizes are the result of months without a big winner.