The Mega Millions jackpot just crossed a major milestone as it increased to $520 million for Friday’s drawing.

A winner tonight would have the choice of taking home the $520 million jackpot as an annuity or $240.1 million in cash.

“We have seen lots of lucky winners during this Mega Millions run and hopefully tonight we see a jackpot win in North Carolina,” said Mark Michalko, chief executive officer of the N.C. Education Lottery. “Remember it only takes one lucky ticket to win the big prize. Good luck.”

Even though the jackpot remains up for grabs, players are taking home lots of other prizes playing Mega Millions. Tuesday’s drawing produced more than 8,900 winning tickets in North Carolina.

The odds of winning a Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 290 million.

Players can buy Mega Millions tickets at any lottery retail location or through Online Play on the lottery’s website, www.nclottery.com, or with the NC Lottery Official Mobile App.

The N.C. Education Lottery’s Play Smart™ program helps North Carolinians make the most of their lottery play. Visit ncplaysmart.com to learn about all things lottery, from tips on how odds work to how to enter bonus drawings.