Mega Millions, Powerball jackpots worth more than $800 million, $700 million, respectively

A pair of multi-state lotteries have entered rare air. For the first time, the nation's biggest lotteries are worth more than $700 million at the same time.

Tuesday’s Mega Millions drawing is worth an estimated $850 million ($628.2 million with the cash option). Wednesday’s Powerball drawing is worth an estimated $730 million ($546 million with the cash option).

"We're reminding our players to play responsibly and that it only takes one ticket to have a chance to win these life-changing jackpots," Pennsylvania Lottery executive director Drew Svitko said. "Our players are helping us generate funding for property tax and rent rebates, transportation, care services, prescription assistance, and local services including senior centers and meals."

The Mega Millions jackpot would be the second-highest won if it hits on Tuesday. A ticket sold in South Carolina made its holder the biggest single lottery winner at $1.537 billion on Oct. 23, 2018.

Three Powerball tickets split the largest lottery jackpot in history of $1.586 billion on Jan. 13, 2016. Those tickets were sold in California, Florida and Tennessee.

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Wednesday’s Powerball jackpot would be the fourth-highest in game history if it hits.

The four winning Mega Millions numbers and Mega Ball number will be drawn at 11 p.m. Tuesday. The five winning Powerball numbers and extra Power Ball number will be drawn at 11 p.m. Wednesday.

You can play the games in every state in the country except Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah. It can also be played in the District of Columbia and Virgin Islands.

Jackpots for both games start building at $20 million.

Biggest lottery jackpots in U.S. history (current jackpots not included):

• $1.586 billion, Powerball, Jan. 13, 2016, three winning tickets
• $1.537 billion, Mega Millions, Oct. 23, 2018, one winning ticket
• $768.4 million, Powerball, March 27, 2019, one winning ticket
• $758 million, Powerball, Aug. 23, 2017, one winning ticket
• $687 million, Powerball, Oct. 27, 2018, two inning tickets
• $656 million, Mega Millions, March 30, 2012, five winning tickets
• $648 million, Mega Millions, Dec. 17, 2013, three winning tickets
• $590.5 million, Powerball, May 18, 2013, one winning ticket
• $587.5 million, Powerball, Nov. 28, 2012, two winning tickets
• $564.1 million, Powerball, Feb. 11, 2015, three winning tickets

Shelly Stallsmith is a trends reporter for the York Daily Record. She can be reached at mstallsmith@ydr.com or followed on Twitter at @ShelStallsmith.