If you are comparing powerball vs mega millions, you are not alone. These are the two biggest multi-state lotteries in the United States, and players constantly ask about powerball vs mega millions odds, ticket prices and jackpots. The short answer to which lottery is better depends on what matters most to you: Powerball holds the world record jackpot and costs less per ticket, while Mega Millions offers slightly better jackpot odds and starts at a higher $50 million. This guide compares the two games side by side, using figures verified on the official powerball.com and megamillions.com websites.
Powerball vs Mega Millions: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Powerball | Mega Millions |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket price | $2 per play | $5 per play (multiplier built in) |
| Number format | 5 numbers from 1 to 69 + Powerball from 1 to 26 | 5 numbers from 1 to 70 + Mega Ball from 1 to 24 |
| Jackpot odds | 1 in 292,201,338 | 1 in 290,472,336 |
| Starting jackpot | $20 million | $50 million |
| Drawing days and times | Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET | Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 p.m. ET |
| Biggest jackpot ever | $2.04 billion (7 November 2022, California) | $1.602 billion (8 August 2023, Florida) |
| Multiplier option | Power Play: $1 extra, multiplies non-jackpot prizes 2X to 10X | Built-in multiplier: 2X to 10X on non-jackpot prizes |
| Annuity option | 30 graduated payments over 29 years | Initial payment plus 29 annual payments, each 5% larger |
Which Should You Play?
Choose Powerball if you want the lowest ticket price and a shot at the largest jackpots in history, including the world-record $2.04 billion prize. Choose Mega Millions if you prefer slightly better jackpot odds and a higher $50 million starting jackpot. Both games are drawn several times a week and both offer life-changing prizes, so many players simply play both. Remember that the odds of winning the jackpot are extremely long either way, so play responsibly and within your budget.
How to Check Your Results
You can check the latest verified winning numbers on our Powerball Results page and our Mega Millions Results page after every drawing. Always confirm your ticket against the official winning numbers on powerball.com or megamillions.com (or your state lottery) before claiming a prize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has better odds: Powerball or Mega Millions?
Mega Millions has slightly better jackpot odds at 1 in 290,472,336, compared with Powerball at 1 in 292,201,338. In practice the difference is tiny, and both jackpots are extremely hard to win.
Which lottery has bigger jackpots?
Powerball has produced the biggest jackpots in US history, including the world-record $2.04 billion jackpot won in California on 7 November 2022. Mega Millions’ largest jackpot was $1.602 billion, won in Florida on 8 August 2023. Powerball jackpots start at $20 million, while Mega Millions jackpots start at $50 million.
Can I play Powerball and Mega Millions in the same state?
Yes. Both games are sold in 45 states plus the District of Columbia and the US Virgin Islands, so in almost every participating jurisdiction you can buy tickets for both games at the same lottery retailer.