A Powerball win is getting closer to being a sure thing

The odds of matching all six numbers to win the jackpot in Wednesday’s drawing are one in 292.2 million.

The record-breaking Powerball jackpot could grow yet more before Wednesday’s drawing if ticket sales continue to exceed expectations.

The former record Powerball jackpot was $590.5 million, won on May 18, 2013, by Gloria C. Mackenzie, of Zephyrhills, Fla.

But she says if someone does buy a ticket online and it checks out on the system as legitimate, that person will still get the prize.

Tuesday morning, the Jackpot went from $1.4-billion to $1.5-billion.

According to Powerball data, the state with the most winning tickets sold is IN with 38 since 1990.

Powerball drawings are held at 10:59 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays on ABC13.

“The reason we’re at this astonishing point in our history is because of our players”, said Kentucky Lottery President and CEO Arch Gleason.

Tickets cost $2 each.

The estimated prize comes up to US$1.4 billion only if the victor opts to take the winnings in 30 payments over 29 years. If the victor, or winners, elect to receive the one-time cash equivalent, the State of Idaho would receive a almost $70 million windfall. Powerball fever must not have spread to the U.S. Virgin Islands, which also had just 10 winners per 1,000 people. If you’ve never played Powerball before but want a chance at the mega win this time around, it’s very simple. The odds of winning were 1 in 175 million.

Plus, most states would take a chunk – something winners in Florida, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wyoming wouldn’t have to worry about because those states have no income tax.

This week, with a $1.5 billion jackpot on the line, the expected value is increased to more than $5 (including the nonjackpot prizes), making a $2 ticket a good investment.