Powerball jackpot swells to $800 million

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Powerball jackpot keeps setting records.

Lottery officials announced this morning that the largest jackpot in US history is now up to an $800 million annuity. Take the lump sum, and you’ll get $496 million cash.

“We’ve had big jackpots before, but nothing like this,” NC Education Lottery Executive Director Alice Garland said in a news release. “It’s phenomenal – and not just for our players. Strong sales increase our earnings for education, and that’s a big win for everyone in North Carolina.”

The NCEL says this run without a jackpot payout for the multi-state lotto beginning with ticket sales for the Nov. 7 drawing has won North Carolina Powerball players more than $7 million in prizes and generated more than $14 million for education through Wednesday night.

Players who want a chance to win this time around must buy a ticket by 9:59 p.m. ahead of the 10:59 p.m. Saturday drawing.