Many rush to get Powerball tickets as jackpot surges to $500 million

The odds of a $2 ticket hitting the jackpot Wednesday were reportedly 292,201,338 to 1.

The odds of matching all five numbers and the Powerball number is 1 in 175,223,510, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association.

“I never win anything so that will be fun”, said one hopeful ticket buyer.

Although prize payouts resumed last month, retailers said they are still recovering from the lost income.

No one has won Powerball’s biggest prize since November 4.

Either way, as the saying goes, ‘You can’t win if you don’t play’.

“I would not”, said Tristin Lysogroski of Drums.

The victor of Wednesday’s jackpot will get $306 million in cash, if you choose that option.

The biggest jackpot to date was the Mega Millions prize won in 2012 worth $656 million.

The jackpot is now the sixth largest ever in US history.

But the huge jackpots like this week’s prize are actually a mirage.

UPDATE: There were no winners in Wednesday night’s drawing – the jackpot is now a record-breaking $675 million.

Winners are advised to sign the lottery ticket as soon as they get the chance.

Tickets will be sold until 10pm. There are 47 lotteries now selling the Powerball game to a population of 304.2 million, with tickets being sold through more than 210,000 lottery terminals.

One secret Lustig will share is that he believes picking the same numbers regularly, even if you are losing, gives you more edge in the next drawing.

“Players are always excited when a jackpot reaches such an incredible amount but do not forget to play responsibly; it only takes one ticket to win”, said Rebecca Hargrove, CEO and President of the Tennessee Lottery.

Powerball is sold in 44 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.