Even A Bigger Prize: Powerball Jackpot Jumps To $550 Million
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Powerball buzz! It's a frenzy as millions rush to buy tickets for the largest jackpot in Powerball history--$550 million is on the line.
Meghan McCorkell has more on the hottest ticket in town.
Everywhere WJZ went, people were rushing into stores for their chance at half a billion dollars.
Baltimore is buying into the Powerball craze.
"I can't even fathom that kind of money," said one player.
People are lining up to pick their lucky numbers for a chance at $550 million.
"Two fortune cookies and then my brother's birthday is Friday so I'm going to play his birthday, the year he was born," said Mance Walls.
Wednesday afternoon, Powerball sales hit more than $4.5 million in Maryland--that's 11,280 wagers a minute and 195 wagers a second.
"Some people are going to help people. Other people are going to buy islands and things like that," said Barbara Confiell, Catonsville Liquors.
"If I win, I will have to have some people advise me what to do with the money," said one.
But before you spend that cash, not so far. You're more likely to get hit by a car crossing the street than you are to win the Powerball. You're also more likely to get struck by lightning or drafted by the NBA.
If luck is on Maryland's side, it's not just a payday for the winner.
"The winner who claims the ticket will have to pay state sales tax and right now, we're figuring that's going to be slightly over $30 million," said Maryland Lottery Director Steve Martino.
Everybody is dreaming theirs is the winning ticket.
The largest jackpot in lottery history was the Mega Millions. That was $656 million and it was won right here in Maryland. Hopefully we'll be lucky again.
The winning numbers were 5-23-16-22-29 and the Powerball was 6.
