The Powerball jackpot just got a big boost as it grew an additional $25 million on Monday to hit the $1 billion mark for tonight’s drawing.

A winner tonight could claim the jackpot as a $1 billion annuity or $483.8 million in cash. If won, it would be the fifth largest prize in Powerball history.

“Any time one of the big jackpots reaches the billion-dollar mark, it adds an extra level of excitement for players,” said Mark Michalko, executive director of the N.C. Education Lottery. “We are hoping that a lucky North Carolinian can take home that amazing prize tonight. Good luck.”

While North Carolinians play for the $1 billion jackpot tonight, other big wins have occurred recently. A lucky ticket in North Carolina matched four white balls and the red Powerball in Saturday’s drawing to win $50,000. The win occurred:

• At Stamey's Grocery on U.S. 19 East in Spruce Pine

Players can buy Powerball tickets at any lottery retail location or through Online Play on the lottery’s website or the NC Lottery Official Mobile App. The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292 million.

For details on how money raised by the lottery makes a difference for education programs in all 100 North Carolina counties, visit www.nclottery.com and click on the “Impact” section.