CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Are you feeling lucky? The next Mega Millions drawing is Friday night and it could be your chance to win big.
The jackpot has been rolling over since it was last won on January 5 and it now stands at $502 million, making it the fourth-largest payout in Mega Millions' 16-year history.
Sadly, the odds of winning all that cash is more than 1 in 302 million. You have a better chance achieving sainthood (1 in 20 million) than winning the grand prize.
So, how do you buy a ticket? You need two dollars in cash - no debit or credit if you're purchasing a ticket in stores. But good news for North Carolinians, in the Tar Heel state you can play online. All you have to do is register for the North Carolina lottery. From there you can have a shot at the jackpot from the comfort of your own home.
If you are the lucky winner, you may not want to run to the claims center right away. First, sign that ticket. In North Carolina you must identify yourself with your signature, photo identification, proof that you're at least age 18, and your social security number.
Also, you can't claim your prize right here in Charlotte. Winners must travel to the North Carolina lottery headquarters in Raleigh. Then, good luck... because you're going to get a lot of new friends!
NBC Charlotte's Hannah Welker hit the streets to ask Charlotteans about their number-choosing strategies and what they would do if they won.
"I would really like to help some charities in town that I get to work with now but I would like to help them in a bigger way," said one (very giving) woman.
Other answers included a long vacation, helping out family and paying off those pesky bills.
So, what would you do if you won?
