North Carolina Powerball Fever: Chasing the $935 Million Dream

Key Takeaways:

• Big Prize Alert: North Carolina Powerball players have a shot at the fifth-largest jackpot in the game's history this Saturday, with a whopping $935 million on the line.
• Cash or Annuity: The lucky winner can choose between a $935 million annuity or a $452.3 million cash payout.
• Long Odds, Big Dreams: With 37 drawings since the last win, the jackpot has players dreaming big, despite the odds of 1 in 292 million.

North Carolina is buzzing with excitement as Powerball players across the state gear up for a chance to win an eye-watering $935 million jackpot this Saturday. This staggering amount marks the fifth-largest prize in the history of the game. The lucky winner will face a delightful dilemma: opting for the entire jackpot in a $935 million annuity or taking home $452.3 million in cash.

The Powerball jackpot has eluded players for 37 consecutive drawings, stretching all the way back to a win on New Year’s Day in Michigan. As the jackpot inches closer to the billion-dollar mark, the anticipation and excitement are palpable.

Mark Michalko, the Executive Director of the N.C. Education Lottery, emphasizes the variety of ways to win in Powerball, beyond just the jackpot. "As the Powerball jackpot nears $1 billion, it’s important that players remember there are nine different ways to win,” Michalko said. He added, "We would love to see a jackpot win but we’ve seen lots of other nice wins recently in North Carolina so check your tickets carefully after Saturday’s drawing.”

Powerball by the Numbers in North Carolina:

• 50,058: Number of winning tickets from Wednesday’s drawing
• $17.6 million: Estimated amount raised for education during the current Powerball run

For those looking to try their luck, Powerball tickets are available at any lottery retail location or can be purchased online through the lottery’s website or the NC Lottery Official Mobile App. While the dream of winning the jackpot is a long shot, with odds standing at 1 in 292 million, the excitement and hope it brings are undeniable.

Moreover, the lottery isn’t just about chasing dreams. It plays a significant role in supporting education. The current Powerball run alone has raised an estimated $17.6 million for educational programs in North Carolina. For more details on how these funds impact education programs across all 100 counties in the state, interested parties can visit www.nclottery.com and explore the “Impact” section.

As the drawing nears, North Carolinians hold their breath, hoping for a win that could change lives forever. Whether it's the jackpot or one of the other prizes, Powerball continues to be a source of excitement and dreams in the Tar Heel State.

(First reported by: N.C. Education Lottery)