Powerball Jackpot Grows To $1.5 Billion
The Powerball jackpot is climbing higher.
The prize up for grabs on Wednesday has jumped to an estimated $1.5 billion, the largest jackpot in world history. It's so big, billboards can't even show the correct amount. One sign in New York was maxed out at $999 million.
But don't get your hopes up. The odds of winning the jackpot is around 300 million to one, or the equivalent of flipping a coin and getting heads 28 times in a row.
But that didn't dissuade lottery player Eric Morgan on Saturday. "I think I'm that one. I'm a lucky guy. I'm a lucky guy for real," he said.
People living in 44 states, as well as in the District of Columbia, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are eligible to play Powerball. The next drawing is this Wednesday night.
If you're one of the many in an office pool, lottery officials suggest choosing a leader who will track the group's money and make and distribute a list of participants. If you have more than 10 people in your group, consider forming a trust or limited liability corporation.
Regular player Phyllis Kidd split a $28,000 jackpot in an office pool a few years ago. She likes to think a billion-dollar blessing for her could bless others.
"I would probably give to some charities. Give back to the neighborhood," she said. "Something for the teens. For the youth."
One person in Stockton hit it big in the in-state Super Lotto Plus jackpot game Saturday, winning $8 million over 30 years, or $5 million upfront. The winning ticket was purchased in Stockton at the 7-Eleven at 7647 Pacific Avenue.
