Mega Millions and Powerball players hoping to get lucky this weekend can play for two big jackpots that top $1.72 billion combined.

A Mega Millions winner tonight would have the choice of taking home the $977 million jackpot as an annuity or $461 million in cash. If won, the jackpot would be the sixth largest in Mega Millions history.

A Powerball winner on Saturday would have the choice of taking home the $750 million jackpot as an annuity or $357.3 million in cash.

“With one jackpot almost at $1 billion and another not too far behind, this weekend could be life-changing for some lucky North Carolinian,” said Mark Michalko, executive director of the N.C. Education Lottery. “Make sure to check your tickets carefully after each drawing. Good luck.”

While North Carolinians keep trying for the jackpot, others nice wins occurred recently. In Tuesday’s Mega Millions drawing, one lucky $2 ticket matched four of the five white balls and the yellow Mega Ball to win $10,000. The win occurred:

• At Cashion's Quik Stop on South Main Street in Cornelius

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

The odds of winning a Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302 million. The odds of winning a Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292 million.