CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Powerball jackpot climbed again, surging to $535 million after no one claimed the grand prize in Wednesday night's drawing.
The winner could claim the jackpot as either a $535 annuity or $257.6 million in cash upfront. The odds of winning a Powerball jackpot remain incredibly small at 1 in 292 million.
"Who wouldn't want to start the holidays with a $535 million jackpot?" Mark Michalko, the executive director of the North Carolina Education Lottery, said. "The jackpot run has already produced exciting wins here in North Carolina."
The wins Michalko referenced happened at the same store, if you can believe that. Two lucky players at the BJ's Wholesale Club in Garner won $100,000 each by matching four white balls and the red Powerball. The prize on each ticket doubled thanks to the 2X multiplier.
Powerball is one of six North Carolina lottery games that can be played at retail locations or online through the lottery's website. Lottery players can also buy scratch-off tickets online and on the NC Education Lottery app.
Playing the lottery is a form of gambling. If you are concerned about your gambling or worried about a friend, you can call the NC Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-877-718-5543. You can also contact the National Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
WCNC Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at WCNC Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.