“We’re proud of the past 14 years,” said Rebecca Hargrove, President and CEO. “The results we have achieved have funded more than a million scholarships and grants and now help make possible the Governor’s Drive to 55 initiatives along with so many other education programs.” “Our success is based on many factors, including the enabling legislation that provides the business structure under which we operate,” said Ms. Hargrove. “Additionally, we rely on guidance from our Board of Directors, the dedication and talent of our team of employees, the hard work of more than 5,000 retailers, and the support of thousands of players.”

"To date, we have given over $5 billion to education in North Carolina, that’s a number of which we are very proud,” NCEL Executive Director Alice Garland, said during a visit to the Randolph Rotary Club Wednesday. The NCEL has grown from $229.5 million in fiscal year 2006 to a $2.5 billion business today.

“The Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots are reaching historic levels, and that generates interest from everyone all across the country," said Gordon Medenica, Mega Millions Lead Director and Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director. “When the jackpots reach these levels, everyone starts to daydream about what they would do if they won. That’s what makes a jackpot roll so exciting, and to have two of them makes it even more fun.” “With combined Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots reaching more than $1 billion, players across the country have two amazing opportunities to become multimillionaires over the next two days,” said Charlie McIntyre, Powerball Product Group Chairman and New Hampshire Lottery Executive Director. “Together, Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots are reaching nearly unprecedented levels— only the record $1.56 billion Powerball jackpot of January 2016 beats the current joint total. It only takes one ticket to win, so we encourage players all over the United States to play and to play responsibly.”