Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots over $550 million

It’s three days before Christmas, and wish lists are still being formed.

Here’s something else that might qualify: $553 million.

That is what the jackpots for the Mega Millions and Powerball games are heading into drawings Friday and Saturday, according to the Georgia Lottery website.

The Mega Millions jackpot, now at $253 million, has grown since Oct. 17, rolling 19 times, lottery officials said in a news release. The top Powerball prize, which is at $300 million, has rolled 16 times since Oct. 28.

Holly jolly jackpots: Two chances to win holiday MILLIONS!

Click here to play #MegaMillions online now! https://t.co/TJkKhofyZa
Click here to play #Powerball online now! https://t.co/O1dWHTkcTZ pic.twitter.com/urippxhEMj
— Georgia Lottery (@GeorgiaLottery) December 22, 2017

Keep reality in mind. The odds of winning either jackpot are overwhelming — 1 in about 302 million for Mega Millions, 1 in about 292 million for Powerball.

Tickets for both lotteries are $2 each. They are available at many retailers, and you can play online, too.

There are two options to receive your money if you claim a big prize. You can take an immediate payout or graduated payments spread over several years.

All drawings for both games, including Friday’s Mega MIllions drawing, can be viewed at 11 p.m., right before the Channel 2 Action News Nightbeat.

In other news:

The woman is afraid to go home because there have not been any arrests made in the case.

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Steve Burns

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