North Carolinians have until 9:59 p.m. to get a chance at winning the world’s largest jackpot, a $1.5 billion annuity, or $930 million in cash.
The jackpot could grow larger with possible announcements of any increase expected around noon today and at 10:59 p.m. when the drawing is scheduled to be held. The odds of winning the jackpot are long − 1 in 292 million − but eventually someone or several people in places where Powerball is played will capture the jackpot. Millions of other prizes, up to a $2 million prize, will be won across the nation.
“It’s exciting to be part of a world record event and we will be on the edge of our seats tonight waiting to see if the jackpot is won,’ said Alice Garland, executive director of the N.C. Education Lottery. “We already have one big winner and that is education in North Carolina. If you would like to try your chance, remember it only takes one ticket to win.’
About 76 cents of every $2 Powerball ticket will go to earnings for education this year. The lottery’s goal is to raise $529 million this year and sales from Powerball mean that goal should be achieved. Any surplus will go to the state for legislators to allocate to education programs.
Some Powerball numbers for the Big Day
- 300 million. That’s how many Americans can play Powerball in their home states.
- 47. Powerball is played in 44 states, Washington, D.C., U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
- 28. In Saturday’s drawing, three tickets won $2 million and 25 tickets won $1 million.
- 18.3 million. That’s how many prizes were won Saturday night, totaling $159 million.
- $372 million. That’s the amount of money raised for good causes from sales for Saturday’s drawing.
- 30. The $1.5 billion annuity will be paid over 29 years. First payment, $22.6 million, 30th payment, $92.9 million.
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