Lottery head-to-head: Mega Millions vs Powerball Jackpot

Here’s what’s different about these two super lottery games and which one has the biggest jackpot right now! The current $285 million Mega Millions jackpot is a whopping 96.55% larger than the Powerball’s impressive $145 million prize, highlighting the staggering scale of these two giant lotteries.

As of January 24, 2024, the Powerball jackpot is estimated at $145 million, with recent draws showing a steady increase in its value. Initially, on January 6, the jackpot was at $35 million, followed by an increase to $46 million on January 8, $60 million on January 10, $77 million on January 13, $88 million on January 15, $102 million on January 17, and $120 million on January 20, before reaching its current value.

In comparison, the Mega Millions jackpot as of January 24, 2024, stands at $285 million. This significant difference indicates that the Mega Millions jackpot is currently larger than the Powerball jackpot by a considerable margin.

Mega Millions and Powerball Jackpots compared by Winlottojackpots in 2024

Lottery Mega Millions Powerball Jackpot Comparison

As of January 21, 2024, the Powerball jackpot is estimated at $133 million, with a cash lump sum option of $63.9 million. Looking at its growth over recent draws, the jackpot has seen significant increases. On January 6, it was at $37.7 million, followed by $48.5 million on January 8, $60.6 million on January 10, $78.4 million on January 13, $88.9 million on January 15, $101.5 million on January 17, and $123 million on Saturday before reaching its current value.

Comparatively, the Mega Millions jackpot as of January 20, 2024, stands at $262 million. This indicates that the Mega Millions jackpot is currently larger than the Powerball jackpot by a significant margin.


  • Powerball

    The Pools Lotto
    Jackpot
    $145
    Million
    Play from the UK at Giant Lottos
    Play Powerball from the UK
    Buy 1 Powerball Ticket
    Get 1 FREE!
    PLAY POWERBALL
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  • Mega Millions

    Lottomart Lotto Betting
    Jackpot
    $285
    Million
    Play from the UK at Giant Lottos
    Play Powerball from the UK
    Buy 1 Mega Millions Ticket
    Get 1 FREE!
    PLAY MEGA MILLIONS
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Mega Millions and Powerball Jackpot growth in 2024

Powerball Jackpot history this year
WED 01/24/24$145,000,000 $12,000,000
MON 01/22/24$133,000,000 $13,000,000
SAT 01/20/24$120,000,000 $18,000,000
 WED 01/17/24$102,000,000 $14,000,000
 MON 01/15/24$88,000,000 $11,000,000
 SAT 01/13/24$77,000,000 $17,000,000
 WED 01/10/24$60,000,000 $14,000,000
 MON 01/08/24$46,000,000 $11,000,000
 SAT 01/06/24$35,000,000 $15,000,000
Powerball jackpot growth in 2024

Looking at the growth trend of the Powerball Jackpot in 2024, we will examine the progression of the jackpot amounts from January 6, 2024, to January 24, 2024. We will calculate the percentage growth for each draw and observe any patterns that might indicate growing popularity.

  1. January 6, 2024: The jackpot started at $35,000,000.
  2. January 8, 2024: It increased to $46,000,000, marking a growth of about 31.43% from January 6th.
  3. January 10, 2024: The jackpot rose to $60,000,000, which is an increase of approximately 30.43% from January 8th.
  4. January 13, 2024: The amount grew to $77,000,000, indicating a growth of about 28.33% from January 10th.
  5. January 15, 2024: It further increased to $88,000,000, showing a growth of approximately 14.29% from January 13th.
  6. January 17, 2024: The jackpot reached $102,000,000, a rise of 15.91% from January 15th.
  7. January 20, 2024: The amount escalated to $120,000,000, marking an increase of about 17.65% from January 17th.
  8. January 22, 2024: It grew to $133,000,000, which is a growth of approximately 10.83% from January 20th.
  9. January 24, 2024: The jackpot stood at $145,000,000, indicating an increase of 9.02% from January 22nd.
Mega Millions jackpot history this year
FRI 01/26/24$285,000,000 $26,000,000
TUE 01/23/24 $262,000,000 $26,000,000
 FRI 01/19/24 $236,000,000 $28,000,000
 TUE 01/16/24 $208,000,000 $21,000,000
 FRI 01/12/24 $187,000,000 $22,000,000
 TUE 01/09/24 $165,000,000 $25,000,000
 FRI 01/05/24 $140,000,000 $26,000,000
 TUE 01/02/24 $114,000,000 $22,000,000
Mega Millions jackpot growth in 2024

To analyse the growth trend of the Mega Millions Lottery Jackpot in 2024, we will examine the progression of the jackpot amounts from January 2, 2024, to January 26, 2024, and calculate the percentage growth for each successive draw. The jackpot amounts and their respective growths are as follows:

  1. January 2, 2024: The jackpot started at $114,000,000.
  2. January 5, 2024: It grew to $140,000,000. This is an increase of approximately 22.81% from the January 2nd amount.
  3. January 9, 2024: The jackpot increased to $165,000,000, marking a growth of about 17.86% from January 5th.
  4. January 12, 2024: The amount rose to $187,000,000, which is an increase of approximately 13.33% from January 9th.
  5. January 16, 2024: The jackpot further increased to $208,000,000, showing a growth of about 11.23% from January 12th.
  6. January 19, 2024: It reached $236,000,000, a rise of approximately 13.46% from January 16th.
  7. January 23, 2024: The amount was $262,000,000, indicating an increase of around 11.02% from January 19th.
  8. January 26, 2024: The jackpot escalated to $285,000,000, marking a growth of about 8.78% from January 23rd.

In summary, over the course of January 2024, the Mega Millions Jackpot has exhibited a consistent upward trend, with each draw typically showing a significant percentage increase from the previous draw. The total growth from January 2nd to January 26th is a substantial rise of 150%, indicating strong and steady growth in the jackpot value over the month.

Powerball vs Mega Millions: Which lottery jackpot do you play?

When deciding between Powerball and Mega Millions, consider these key factors for a comprehensive understanding:

Record Jackpots Mega Millions, despite its name, awarded a historic $1.537 billion jackpot to a fortunate individual in Simpson, South Carolina, in October 2018. Powerball, however, set a global record with a staggering $2.04 billion prize won by a ticket holder in California on November 7, 2022.

Winning Odds Powerball offers slightly better jackpot odds at 1 in 292,201,338, compared to Mega Millions’ 1 in 302,575,350. However, Mega Millions provides marginally improved chances of winning any prize. The overall odds for winning something in Powerball stand at 1 in 24.9, while it’s 1 in 24 for Mega Millions.

Prize Breakdown and Odds

  • Powerball:
    • Jackpot: 1 in 292,201,338
    • $1,000,000: 1 in 11,688,053
    • Lower tier prizes range from $4 to $50,000 with varying odds.
  • Mega Millions:
    • Jackpot: 1 in 302,575,350
    • $1,000,000: 1 in 12,607,306
    • Lower tier prizes range from $2 to $10,000 with varying odds.

Multipliers: Power Play vs. Megaplier Enhance non-jackpot prizes with Power Play in Powerball and Megaplier in Mega Millions for an additional $1 per game. Power Play can increase winnings up to 10 times for jackpots under $150 million, while Megaplier offers up to a 5x increase.

Availability Across States Powerball has wider availability, being played in more states than Mega Millions. Both are accessible in 45 states, Washington DC, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, but only Powerball is also offered in Puerto Rico. If you’re looking to play Powerball from the UK you can use Giant Lottos or Red Fox Lotto to buy your tickets.

How to play Mega Millions and Powerball

Playing Powerball and Mega Millions, two of America’s most popular lotteries, is relatively straightforward, but each has its unique set of rules:

Powerball: How to Play

  1. Choose Your Numbers: Select five main numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26.
  2. Buy a Ticket: You can purchase tickets at authorized retailers or online where available.
  3. Decide on the Multiplier: Opt for the Power Play option (for an additional fee) to multiply non-jackpot winnings.
  4. Check the Draw: Draws occur every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  5. Winning: Match all five main numbers and the Powerball to win the jackpot. There are also lower-tier prizes for partial matches.

Mega Millions: How to Play

  1. Select Your Numbers: Choose five main numbers from 1 to 70 and one Megaball number from 1 to 25.
  2. Ticket Purchase: Tickets are available at authorized retailers and online in some jurisdictions.
  3. Consider the Megaplier: For an additional cost, the Megaplier can increase non-jackpot prizes.
  4. Draw Days: Mega Millions draws take place on Tuesdays and Fridays.
  5. Winning Criteria: Win the jackpot by matching all five main numbers plus the Megaball. There are smaller prizes for matching fewer numbers.

Differences Between Powerball and Mega Millions

  • Number Pools: Powerball players pick from 1-69 for the main numbers and 1-26 for the Powerball, while Mega Millions players select from 1-70 for the main numbers and 1-25 for the Megaball.
  • Multiplier Options: Powerball offers the Power Play, which can multiply certain prizes up to 10 times. Mega Millions has the Megaplier, offering up to a 5x increase.
  • Draw Days: Powerball has three weekly draws, whereas Mega Millions has two.
  • Jackpot Odds: The odds of winning the jackpot are slightly different due to the number pools – 1 in 292,201,338 for Powerball and 1 in 302,575,350 for Mega Millions.

Both lotteries offer the chance to win huge jackpots and various prize levels, making them exciting options for lottery enthusiasts. Remember, each ticket purchase contributes to the growing jackpot, and occasionally, these jackpots reach record-breaking sums. Always play responsibly and enjoy the thrill of the game! If you’re looking for the best odds lottery games, US jackpots sit in the medium range in our recommended list.

Summary: Powerball vs. Mega Millions

  • Ticket cost: Identical for both at Giant Lottos
  • Better jackpot odds: Powerball
  • Better odds for any prize: Mega Millions
  • More states availability: Powerball
  • Highest jackpot record: Powerball
  • More frequent draws: Powerball
  • Improved $1 million prize odds: Powerball
  • Better odds for a win with a single ball: Mega Millions

In conclusion, while both games offer the chance for life-changing wins, your choice may hinge on factors like jackpot size, odds, or even geographical availability. Consider these aspects to decide which lottery aligns best with your preferences and luck.

As we observe the trends of the Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots in 2024, it’s clear that both lotteries are exhibiting remarkable growth due to consecutive rollovers. Powerball has surged from $35 million to $145 million, demonstrating significant jumps in jackpot size, while Mega Millions has shown an equally impressive ascent from $114 million to $285 million. These patterns suggest a growing public interest and participation, fueling the jackpots’ rapid increases.

When deciding whether to play Powerball or Mega Millions, consider both the jackpot sizes and the odds. Powerball offers slightly better odds for the jackpot win, while Mega Millions presents marginally better chances of winning any prize. The choice ultimately depends on your preference for higher odds versus larger jackpots. Given the current trends, with both jackpots yet to be won in 2024, the excitement and potential winnings are at an all-time high for both lotteries.

Based on our latest lottery Mega Millions Powerball jackpot comparison, and If you’re inclined towards games with higher jackpots, Mega Millions might be more appealing at the moment, given its significantly larger jackpot. However, if you prefer slightly better odds of winning, Powerball could be your game of choice. Remember, online lottery sites should always be approached as a form of entertainment rather than a financial investment, and it’s essential to play responsibly.

Good luck!