Powerball jackpot hits record $700 million

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

As people rush to buy tickets, officials with the Multi-State Lottery Association on Thursday boosted the estimated Saturday’s jackpot to $700 million – but it’s possible they could raise it again before the drawing.

The jackpot was increased today from the previous estimate of $675 million after no one matched all the numbers in last night’s $500 million drawing.

The new jackpot is expected to be worth around $675 million, making it the largest in USA history.

Meanwhile, the Mega Millions game has a huge jackpot of its own for Friday’s drawing – $165 million jackpot since no one correctly picked Tuesday’s winning numbers of 1, 4, 36, 48 and 57 with the Mega Ball of 13.

“The excitement is growing tremendously statewide and across the nation for this historic jackpot on Saturday night”, Florida Lottery Secretary Tom Delacenserie said in a news release.

The Powerball lottery is available in 44 states, District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

The $700 million prize is based on an annuity, which would pay out the money over 29 years. This included two $1 million winners in Fort Lauderdale and Dunedin.

Easy 5 players matching the winning numbers would have won $80,000.

Powerball drawings are held Wednesday and Saturday nights. Tickets must be purchased no later than Saturday 8:59 p.m. CT/9:59 p.m. ET for Saturday’s record drawing.

The official Ohio Lottery site offers more information on instant tickets, raffles and other lottery games.