Des Moines (US), Jan 12 (AP) Lottery players will have a shot Tuesday night at the eighth-largest jackpot in US history due to months without a winner of the big prize.

The Mega Millions USD 625 million jackpot is the largest lottery prize in nearly two years.

The big prize for Powerball, the other national lottery game, isn't far behind, at USD 550 million for Wednesday night's drawing.

Mega Millions officials increased the jackpot estimate at midday Tuesday.

The jackpots promoted by lotteries refer to the winnings of those who opt for annuities paid out over 30 years. Nearly all jackpot winners actually take the cash option, which would be an estimated USD 458.8 million for Mega Millions and USD 411.4 million for Powerball.

Those dreaming of instant wishes might want to remember that the odds of winning Powerball are one in 292.2 million. They're even steeper for Mega Millions, at one in 302.5 million.

Mega Millions and Powerball are both played in 45 states as well as Washington, DC, and the US Virgin Islands. Powerball also is offered in Puerto Rico.(AP)

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)