No one matched all six Powerball numbers Saturday night, leading to the enormous prize.
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The POWERBALL® jackpot for Wednesday’s drawing has been increased to an estimated $1.5 billion.
Less than 5 percent of the possible number combinations were purchased nationwide for the first eight drawings as the grand prize rose from $40 million to $110 million, according to figures provided by Massachusetts State Lottery spokesman Christian Teja.
Momtaz Parvin pulls Powerball lottery tickets from the printer at her store in Oklahoma City, Friday, Jan. 8, 2016, as the multi-state jackpot reaches $800 million. If your pre-purchased Powerball ticket matches all six numbers that Powerball picked, you win the top prize.
As the Powerball jackpot increases, more people run out to buy tickets.
Mega Millions drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday, and the draw entry closes at 10:45 p.m. ET.
It’s not just the state that is benefiting from Powerball’s ticket sales.
Powerball is played in 44 states, Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The jackpot was last hit November 4.
The Powerball that gives the lottery its name is the one that makes it so hard to win the big jackpot.
Initially, Saturday’s jackpot was set at $675 million before growing to $700 million on Thursday afternoon and now $1.5 billion.
So assuming you live in NY (where the state tax peaks) the final lump sum value is $369,284,400. “We don’t have packages, just whatever amounts you want”, he said.
You can get a Quick Pick, which will randomly generate numbers, or fill out a Powerball sheet at your local Powerball retailer, hand it to the cashier, and receive in return your lotto ticket.
Despite the staggering odds of winning, the staggeringly large jackpot is fueling sales and hopes.
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Of course, the numbers only apply if one person wins the whole jackpot.
