Mega Millions
jackpot.
With an estimated $290 million up for grabs, day trips to Virginia have never been so popular.
Since Tuesday, Virginia lottery officials estimate North Carolinians have handed over a million dollars to Virginia buying lottery tickets. They say North Carolinians spend about $100 million a year playing Virginia's lotteries.
South Carolina has received $120 million from North Carolina since the state's lottery started two years ago.
It is not just sale of lottery tickets -- food and gas sales are also racking up.
The lottery also costs money to operate. South Carolina lottery officials say it costs $1 billion a year to pay for the game.
Still, North Carolina lottery customers said they would rather spend their money in their own state.
"You look at all these people in this store and think about how much money North Carolina is losing," ticket buyer Nellie Basnett said.
The drawing will be broadcast live from New York's Times Square Friday at 11 p.m. No ticket sold matched all six numbers in Tuesday's drawing.
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