The Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots have now both reached some lofty levels. The lotteries are a combined $1.208 billion heading into this weekend’s drawings.

No one won the Powerball on Wednesday so that jackpot is now at an estimated $521 million with a cash option of $249.6 million. Meanwhile, the Mega Millions is even higher at $687 million with a cash option of $332.3 million – making it the 17th largest U.S. lottery jackpot ever and the sixth largest Mega Millions.

Neither jackpot has been hit in months. The Powerball was last won on Jan. 1 when a lottery player in Michigan won the $842.4 million jackpot. The Mega Millions was hit on Dec. 8 when two California tickets sold at same location split $394 million Mega Millions jackpot.

If you are just jumping into the lottery craze, maybe in an office or family pool, there are some things you need to know.

More: A look back at all 15 Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots won in 2023

When are Powerball and Mega Millions drawings?

The Powerball is held three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. The Mega Millions are on Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m.

How can I play the Powerball or Mega Millions?

Tickets for each lottery cost $2 each, however you can increase your prizes (except the jackpot) by adding the Power Play or Megaplier for an additional $1 per ticket.

For the Mega Millions, you select five numbers from 1 to 70 for the white balls and one number from 1 to 25 for the Mega Ball. The Powerball numbers range from 1 to 69 for white balls and 1 to 26 for the red ball. However, you can also have the lottery machine generate a random Quick Pick for you.

Where can I play Powerball and Mega Millions?

For the Powerball, you can play the game in 45 states plus the Washington DC, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For the Mega Millions, tickets are sold in 45 states plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The states not offering either lottery are are: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah.

Location, Location, Location: These are the states with the most Powerball jackpot winners

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in-person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Lucky in lottery? These are the states with the most Mega Millions jackpot winners

What is the deadline for buying tickets?

Deadlines vary by jurisdiction so don’t wait until the last minute if you want to play. Here is a look at the deadlines by state for the Mega Millions and for the Powerball.

What are my odds of winning a lottery?

OK, now for the reality check.

For the Mega Millions, the odds of winning the jackpot are 302,575,350-to-1. The odds to match all five white balls are 12,607,306-to-1.

For the Powerball, the odds of winning the jackpot are 292,201,338-to-1 and the odds to match all five white balls are 11,688,053-to-1.

So don’t go spending those millions just yet.

Beware: No, a lottery jackpot winner isn’t giving you money. How to spot a scammer

What was largest U.S. lottery jackpot ever?

Here’s a look at the top jackpots won in the United States, between the Powerball and the Mega Millions lotteries:

1. $2.04 billion, Powerball, Nov. 7, 2022: Won in California

2. $1.765 billion, Powerball, Oct. 11, 2023: Won in California

3. $1.602 billion, Mega Millions, Aug. 8, 2023: Won in Florida

4. $1.586 billion, Powerball, Jan. 13, 2016: Three winners in California, Florida, Tennessee

5. $1.537 billion, Mega Millions, Oct. 23, 2018: Won in South Carolina

6. $1.348 billion, Mega Millions, Jan. 13, 2022: Won in Maine

7. $1.337 billion, Mega Millions, July 29, 2022: Won in Illinois

8. $1.08 billion, Powerball, July 19, 2023: Won in California

9. $1.05 billion, Mega Millions, Jan. 22, 2021: Won in Michigan

10. $842.4 million, Powerball, Jan. 1, 2024: Won in Michigan

11. $768.4 million, Powerball, March 27, 2019: Won in Wisconsin

12. $758.7 million, Powerball, Aug. 23, 2017: Won in Massachusetts

13. $754.6 million, Powerball: Feb. 6, 2023: Won in Washington

14. $731.1 million,, Powerball, Jan. 20, 2021: Won in Maryland

15. $699.8 million, Powerball, Oct. 4, 2021: Won in California

16. $687.8 million, Powerball, Oct. 27, 2018: Two winners in Iowa, New York

17. $687 million, Mega Millions, March 7, 2024

18. $656 million, Mega Millions, March 30, 2012: Three winners in Illinois, Kansas, Maryland

19. $648 million, Mega Millions, Dec. 17, 2013: Two winners in California, Georgia

20. $632.6 million, Powerball, Jan. 5, 2022: Two winner in California, Wisconsin

21. $590.5 million, Powerball, May 18, 2013: Won in Florida

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms and conditions.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Mega Millions, Powerball jackpots over $1.2 billion combined