RALEIGH — For some North Carolina residents, it's already been a prosperous new year.

The N.C. Education Lottery reports that since Dec. 31, players have won more than $17.5 million. More than $12.5 million went to winners of instant scratch-off games.

A statement from the lottery said players of North Carolina's Pick 3, Pick 4 and Cash 5 won more than $4.6 million.

This weekend, the Mega Millions jackpot reached an estimated $39 million. The previous two Mega Millions drawings netted nearly $125,000 in prize money.

Saturday's Powerball drawing gives players the chance to win an estimated $60 million. Winners from the previous two Powerball drawings took away around $243,000.