The Mega Millions jackpot just received a boost as North Carolinians can now try for a prize worth $1.1 billion tonight.

The estimated jackpot grew by $50 million on Tuesday due to increased sales.

A winner on Tuesday could claim the jackpot as a $1.1 billion annuity or $550.2 million in cash. The $1.1 billion jackpot ranks as the fourth largest in Mega Millions history and sixth largest in U.S. history.

“An increase of $50 million for tonight’s jackpot shows how much excitement there is among Mega Millions players right now,” said Mark Michalko, executive director of the N.C. Education Lottery. “It only takes one $2 ticket to take home the $1.1 billion prize so play smart and good luck tonight.”

Friday’s Mega Millions drawing produced another lucky win in the state when a ticket matched four of the five white balls and the yellow Mega Ball to win $10,000. The prize increased to $50,000 when the 5X Megaplier hit. The lucky ticket came from Online Play in Gibsonville.

The Mega Millions run has also been a big win for education as the current roll alone has raised an estimated $15.5 million for education in North Carolina.

Mega Millions has gone 29 straight drawings since the last jackpot hit on April 18 in New York. The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302 million.

Players can buy Mega Millions 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.