Powerball’s largest jackpot ever: 5 things to know going into Saturday’s draw

Because no one won Wednesday’s estimated $500 million jackpot, the next Powerball drawing has pushed the prize to the biggest ever, beyond the previous record of $656 million in 2012.

No one was declared a victor of the $650 million Powerball prize after numbers were drawn Wednesday. Powerball tickets are sold in 44 states, Washington D.C., U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Nonetheless, Virginia Lottery officials said they expect to sell about 2.7 million Powerball tickets in the Commonwealth on Saturday alone.

“This POWERBALL jackpot is not only a life-changing opportunity for any person, but also it has allowed the Lottery to generate over $40 million in revenue for Florida students and schools”.

“We are at the highest jackpot amount in USA history, and who knows where it could go from here?” said Maura McCann of the New Hampshire Lottery.

“When I win, don’t look for me I’ll look for you”, Bennie Martin Sr said.

“If you legally purchase a Powerball ticket, you can play the game and you can collect prizes”.

Lotter officials said in the last 13 years, 16 Powerball jackpot winners bought their tickets in Pennsylvania – more winners than any other state. Tickets in Iowa can be purchased for Saturday night’s drawing up until 8:59 p.m. that day.

Not to mention how big the prize would get if no one wins the jackpot on Saturday. If required immediately, one will be paid an estimated $428.4 million cash payout.

Ticket holders have a 1 in 292.2 million chance of winning.

Since tickets are only two dollars, many see it as the flawless opportunity to buy multiple tickets.

But before you buy your tickets, visit the Minnesota Lottery’s website to find out details on ways to win – and your odds for each combination of correct numbers.

During Wednesday’s busiest stretch from about 5-6 p.m., Powerball tickets were selling at more than $6,800 per minute in Iowa.

More people are playing and the lottery’s making more money.