Powerball Jackpot hits Record High $600 Million
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Once again, Powerball officials have increased an already staggering jackpot from $550 MILLION to $600 MILLION for Saturday‘s drawing, shattering the popular game‘s previous record of $587.5 MILLION. Sales have been soaring nationwide as people everywhere join the excitement of a chance to win such an historic prize. The Tennessee Lottery encourages responsible play and reminds players to sign their ticket immediately after purchase. “The changes we implemented to Powerball have proven popular with players and have helped drive the big jackpots that create such excitement,” said Rebecca Hargrove, President and CEO of the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation. “At the end of the day, it‘s great fun to experience these record events, and we appreciate how Powerball is helping us raise funds for education in Tennessee. And remember: it only takes one to win!” Tickets for the big drawing must be purchased no later than 8:59 p.m. CT/9:59 p.m. ET on Saturday. The previous top Powerball prize was $587.5 million, won Nov. 29, 2012 and split between winners in Missouri and Arizona. The biggest U.S. lottery payout ever was a $656 million Mega Millions jackpot won in March 2012 and shared by three winning tickets in Kansas, Illinois and Maryland. The cash value of the $600 Million jackpot is estimated to be $376.9 Million. Powerball is played in 45 lottery jurisdictions (43 states plus Washington DC and US Virgin Islands). Playing Powerball is easy! Just select any five numbers from 1 to 59 and one POWERBALL number from 1 to 35, or choose Quick Pick (QP) and let the computer randomly pick any or all of your numbers. If you match any of the nine winning number combinations – you win! Powerball drawings are held Wednesday and Saturday nights. Please note that broadcast times and drawings shown may vary.
