The Mega Millions jackpot keeps on climbing as it reached $323 million for Tuesday’s drawing.

A winner tonight would have the choice of taking home the $323 million jackpot as an annuity or $145.7 million in cash.

“What an exciting time for North Carolinians who enjoy playing big jackpot games,” said Mark Michalko, chief executive officer of the N.C. Education Lottery. “We would love to see a Mega Millions jackpot winner in North Carolina tonight. Good luck.”

Even though the jackpot remains up for grabs, players are taking home lots of other prizes playing Mega Millions. Friday’s drawing produced more than 8,800 winning tickets in North Carolina.

Mega Millions players also help benefit education in the state as the current jackpot run has raised over $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.