At $675 million annuity, Powerball is largest jackpot ever

We’ve never seen a jackpot the magnitude of what’s on the line in Saturday’s Powerball drawing. At $675 million, it eclipses the previous record of $656 million set by a March 2012 Mega Millions jackpot. If claimed as a lump sum, the winner would get $413.1 million.

Seven tickets sold in our state matched four white balls and the Powerball to win $50,000 prizes. They were sold in:

- Monroe (Union Co.), Kangaroo Express on Lancaster Avenue
- Marble (Cherokee Co.), Quick Pantry on N.C. 141
- Wilmington (New Hanover Co.), Third Street Family Fare
- Burlington (Alamance Co.), Food Lion on Ramada Road
- Charlotte (Mecklenburg Co.), Gas N Go Food Mart on Carowinds Boulevard
- Mills River (Henderson Co.), Subway on Cross Road Drive
- Lumberton (Robeson Co.), Exxon on Roberts Avenue

We would love to see a fifth North Carolina Powerball player win this jackpot and make history. And, as fun as this is, it is important to keep in mind that it only takes one ticket to win – and we encourage folks to play responsibly.

Before the Powerball jackpot is hit, split or rolls again, Friday night’s Mega Millions drawing could make someone a jackpot winner. A $165 million jackpot is up for grabs, or $100.3 million, if you prefer cash.

Whether you’re playing for one jackpot, the other – or both – we wish you luck, and can’t wait to see what happens next.