The Mega Millions jackpot continues to expand as it reached $303 million for Friday’s drawing.

A winner tonight would have the choice of taking home the $303 million jackpot as an annuity or $136.7 million in cash.

“Tonight's prize represents the largest Mega Millions jackpot offered so far this year,” said Terri Rose, chief brand officer of the N.C. Education Lottery. “Good luck to all North Carolinians trying their luck on Friday’s big jackpot.”

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 6,400 winning tickets in North Carolina.

Mega Millions players also help benefit education in the state as the current jackpot run has raised almost $5 million for education programs 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.

For details on how lottery funds make a difference in all of North Carolina’s 100 counties, click on the “Impact” section of the lottery’s website.