In an effort to offer more small prizes and drive up the dollar figure of the jackpot, both the Powerball and Mega Millions rearranged the formula needed to win in 20, respectively, worsening players’ odds at winning the Powerball from 1-in-175.2 million to 1-in-292.2 million, and decreasing the odds of winning the Mega Millions from 1-in-258.9 million. The odds of winning Mega Millions are even worse, at an astounding 1-in-302.6 million.
Those are the astronomical odds of winning the Powerball, which requires winners to match the numbers of all five white balls as well as the red Powerball. Eastern time, while the Powerball will be drawn at 11 p.m.
The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Friday at 11 p.m.
