Canadians Traveling To U.S. Border To Buy Powerball Tickets
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – At $1.5 billion, Wednesday night's Powerball jackpot is the largest ever seen in the world.
But not everyone in the U.S. can take part, forcing some to go to great lengths.
Six states don't participate in Powerball, including Hawaii and Alaska. So people there need to cross an ocean or mountains to reach a lottery kiosk.
The other states are Nevada, Alabama, Mississippi and Utah.
The Multi-State Lottery Association said that creates some of the biggest ticket sales at border cities. Lottery officials said about $20 million worth of tickets are being bought each hour.
And it's not only Americans getting excited about the Powerball jackpot.
Canadians have been traveling across the border in hopes of becoming the next billionaire as well. Bad news for them though, they can expect to pay more taxes if they win.
The federal government can withhold 30-percent of gambling winnings paid to non-citizens. That's five-percent more than for a U.S. resident.
With all of the Powerball hype, Forbes magazine offered up some advice for possible winners.
The number one tip – don't rush to claim your prize.
The drawing for the Powerball will take place Wednesday night at 9:59 p.m. CST.
