Powerball jackpot hits $856 million — here’s what that money could look like

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Powerball players have 856 million reasons to buy a ticket before Saturday’s 10:59 p.m. drawing.

The North Carolina Education Lottery’s current estimated Powerball jackpot has reached $856 million, with a lump-sum cash option of approximately $370 million.

To put that massive figure into perspective, earning one dollar every second would take 27 years to reach $856 million. If paid out in $1 bills laid end to end, the jackpot would circle the Earth more than three times. A stack of $100 bills equal to the lump-sum payout would stand taller than the Empire State Building.

Even without a winning ticket, the lottery continues to benefit the state. More than $1 billion was raised in 2025 to support North Carolina public schools, with funds distributed statewide for school construction, college scholarships, transportation, and other programs.

Local players are already dreaming of what they would do with the windfall.

“My attitude is once it’s over 200 million, I start buying tickets again,” Powerball player Steve Unger said. “I would also help my grandkids out and I just don’t worry too much about it. If the money comes in, that would be fantastic.”

For information on where and how to play, click here.