Mega Millions jackpot soars to $535 million for Friday night’s drawing

RALEIGH, NC  (WWAY) — The Mega Millions jackpot has surged past the $500 million mark, reaching an estimated $535 million for Friday night’s drawing, according to the North Carolina Education Lottery.

The winner of Friday night’s drawing will have the option to receive the $535 million prize as an annuity or opt for a lump-sum cash payment of $265.6 million. The jackpot increased by $8 million on Friday due to a spike in ticket sales, jumping from $527 million to $535 million.

“The Mega Millions jackpot run continues with thousands of winners in North Carolina every drawing,” said Terri Rose, Chief Brand Officer of the N.C. Education Lottery. “Some prizes make your day. Some make your week. Hopefully someone in our state will bring home a life-changing jackpot tonight. Good luck.”

The North Carolina Education Lottery highlighted the recent success of players in the state:

• 23,051: The total number of winning tickets in North Carolina from Tuesday’s Mega Millions drawing.
• $7.4 million: The estimated amount of money raised for education in North Carolina during the current Mega Millions run.

The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302 million.