A bill to allow bigger raffle jackpots is headed to Gov. Beverly Perdue.

Sponsored by first-term Republican Rep. Justin Burr of Stanly County, the bill would allow charitable causes in North Carolina to give out bigger jackpots.

The maximum prize for cash or merchandise in a calendar year would increase from $50,000 to $125,000.

It also allows tax-exempt organizations to offer houses and real estate worth up to $500,000.

Burr said the bill would help charities generate more funds when their services are needed most in the current economy. (AP) 

Lottery officials say tickets for their newest game - an old-fashioned raffle - are selling fast on the game's first day.

They said that more than 40,000 of the 500,000 tickets were sold by 4 p.m. today.

Tickets cost $20 apiece. Four winning tickets will be worth $1 million each. Five tickets will be worth $100,000 each. 500 tickets will be worth $1,000 each.