Both the Mega Millions and Powerball games offer life-changing prizes for North Carolinians who want to try their luck this weekend at winning a jackpot.

Friday’s Mega Millions jackpot stands at $112 million as an annuity, or $81.5 million cash. Then on Saturday, the Powerball jackpot offers an even bigger jackpot, weighing in at $278 million as an annuity or $196.6 million cash.

Other big prizes could be won too as both games provide nine ways to win. Besides the jackpot, Powerball offers prizes up to $2 million and Mega Millions, up to $5 million.

In Wednesday’s Powerball drawing, two tickets sold in North Carolina won $50,000 after matching four of the white balls and the red Powerball in the drawing. One ticket was sold at the Pinebluff Mini Mart on North Walnut Street in Pinebluff in Moore County and the other at Advance Tobacco on U.S. 158 in Advance in Davie County.

“As you play for that jackpot, always check your tickets afterward,” said Mark Michalko, executive director of the N.C. Education Lottery. “Even if you don’t win the jackpot you could win other great prizes like lucky Powerball players did Wednesday. The jackpot wins would change your life, but other wins can sure make your day.”

Powerball drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday and the odds of winning a jackpot are 1 in 292 million. Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday and the odds of winning a Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302 million.

Players can buy Powerball or Mega Millions tickets at any lottery retail location or through Online Play on the lottery’s website, www.nclottery.com, and with the NC Lottery Official Mobile App.

Ticket sales from draw games such as Powerball and Mega Millions help make it possible for the lottery to raise more than $900 million a year for education. For details on how lottery funds have made a difference in all of North Carolina’s 100 counties, click on the “Impact” section of the lottery’s website.