The Powerball jackpot continues to climb, giving North Carolinians the opportunity to unwrap a $572 million present tonight.

Wednesday’s Powerball jackpot stands at a $572 million annuity that is worth $286.7 million in cash. The jackpot represents the fourth Powerball jackpot to climb above half a billion dollars this year.

Monday’s Powerball drawing saw a $1 million prize won in North Carolina on a ticket bought at a Jackson County grocery store. It was one of only two $1 million prizes won in the country on Monday. The other occurred in New York.

The lucky North Carolina ticket came from the Ingles Markets on U.S. 64 East in Cashiers. The $2 ticket matched the numbers on all five white balls to win $1 million. The odds of matching numbers on all five white balls are 1 in 11.6 million.

“We have consistently seen players win big prizes playing Powerball this year,” said Mark Michalko, executive director of the N.C. Education Lottery. “We always remind players that when they buy a Powerball ticket, they have nine different ways to win so check every ticket carefully after the drawing.”

In another big North Carolina win Monday, a $2 ticket bought in Charlotte won $50,000. The ticket, purchased at the Stop & Go on South Tryon Street, matched the numbers on four of the white balls and the red Powerball.

Players can buy Powerball tickets at any lottery retail location or through Online Play on the lottery’s website, www.nclottery.com. The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292 million.

During the holiday season, Play Smart, Gift Smart raises awareness that lottery tickets are not appropriate gifts for kids as part of a national gift responsibly campaign. Research shows that the earlier someone participates in or is exposed to gambling, the more likely they are to develop a gambling problem later in life. Check out our blog to learn more and Play Smart, Gift Smart this holiday season.