NORTH CAROLINA, USA — The Powerball jackpot has climbed to $1 billion, giving North Carolinians a shot at a life-changing prize over the Labor Day weekend, according to the North Carolina Education Lottery .

The prize grew by $50 million on Friday. A winner in Saturday’s drawing could take home a $1 billion annuity or a $453.1 million cash payout.

It’s the largest jackpot since April 6, when a player in Oregon won $1.3 billion, lottery officials said.

While no one has claimed the top prize yet, several North Carolina players are still winning big. A Charlotte player won $100,000 in Saturday’s drawing, a Coats player scored $150,000 on Monday, and an Online Play ticket purchased in Wake Forest hit for $50,000 on Wednesday.

Lottery excitement extends beyond Powerball. Friday night’s Me

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