Tonight’s Powerball jackpot just got even bigger as it grew an additional $25 million today to reach $750 million.

Players trying for the Powerball jackpot can claim the prize as a $750 million annuity or $378.8 million in cash. The jackpot now ranks as the sixth largest Powerball jackpot in history.

“When the jackpot total keeps climbing, so does the excitement among players,” said Mark Michalko, executive director of the N.C. Education Lottery. “Don’t forget it only takes one $2 ticket to win the jackpot so play smart and good luck tonight.”

Powerball attributed the increase in the jackpot total to strong ticket sales as people across the United States try their luck at winning the prize.

While players continue going for the jackpot, the Powerball game keeps producing big wins in North Carolina. In Monday’s Powerball drawing, four different $2 tickets matched four white balls and the red Powerball to win $50,000. The wins occurred:

• In Raleigh with a ticket purchased through Online Play
• In Swannanoa with a ticket bought at the Swannanoa Community Store on U.S. 70.
• In Candler with a ticket bought at Southeast Energy on Smokey Park Highway.
• In Lincolnton with a ticket bought at the Raceway on East Main Street.

The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292 million.

Players can buy Powerball tickets at any lottery retail location or through Online Play on the lottery’s website, www.nclottery.com.

Ticket sales from draw games make it possible for the lottery to raise more than $2.5 million a day on average for education. For details on how lottery funds have made a difference in all of North Carolina’s 100 counties, click on the “Impact” section of the lottery’s website.