Powerball jackpot climbs to estimated $700 million

The Powerball jackpot for the Wednesday, January 6, drawing had rolled to a $400 million annuity value, or $244 million cash prize, after the drawing on Saturday, January 2, produced no jackpot victor. Not too shabby. Yes, you could argue that it’s a total waste of $2 (and we’re always telling you to save!), but on a crummy work day, it’s fun to sit around and imagine just how you’d spend that $675 million.

64 percent of respondents said they “rarely” use the same numbers when playing the lottery.

The Pennsylvania Lottery reminds players to check every ticket, every time. Yet the probability is still incredibly small. The biggest hit applies to NY residents, who would have to pony up 8.82% of the jackpot, reducing an Empire State resident’s winnings even further to $223 million. You never know what could happen.

If you have extra cash and are thinking of buying all possible number combinations, that is allowed, but it wouldn’t be very smart.

And if someone else had the winning numbers, you’d need to split the prize. So you have a better chance of picking the right red Powerball.

Despite the odds, someone will eventually win the prize.

“I’d give my family money and then I would help the homeless because it’s really bad in Austin”, said one shopper.

“I’d take all my friends and family and go around the world”, said another shopper. “But on the other hand, you’ve protected your basic consumption needs”.