Lottery Players will be Lining up Nationwide to make History with Wednesday Night’s Draw~

TOPEKA – History will be made Wednesday night when millions of players try for the biggest Powerball jackpot ever offered by the game. Wednesday’s estimated $425 million jackpot is currently the largest in the world, and is generating excitement among both the game’s loyal players as well as many who will be playing for the first time.

The previous record-high Powerball jackpot was $365 million, won in 2006. Kansas Lottery Director Dennis Wilson says when jackpots move above $250 million, it’s not uncommon to have multiple jackpot winners.

“With such a large amount of money at stake, people are more apt to join with office groups, social clubs, family or friends to purchase a large pool of tickets together. While having a single winner is great, people also like to see a group share the wealth,” said Wilson.

Prior to Powerball’s redesign in January, many players had been asking for a greater variety of significant prizes to be available, while still having the ability to play for the big, multi-million dollar jackpot. The new prize structure appears to be fulfilling that request, Wilson said.

Norm Lingle, National Powerball Chair and the Executive Director of the South Dakota Lottery says if Wednesday night’s draw yields Powerball’s largest jackpot winner ever, that individual or group should prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“The excitement that follows a win like this is incredible, and players should prepare for it as best they can. We always advise people to sign the back of their tickets immediately, put them in a safe place, and be thinking about the resources they’ll need if they do hit the big one, like a trusted financial advisor; good legal advice; and strong support from family and friends,” said Lingle. “With those elements in place and the winning ticket, you can be ready to truly enjoy the win.”

Since its inception in April 1992 in 15 states including Kansas, with jackpots that started at a guaranteed $2 million, Powerball has grown into the world’s biggest and most recognized lottery game. Today it’s played in 44 jurisdictions across the nation, with players buying more than $3 billion annually in Powerball tickets. The biggest jackpot in the game so far was a $365 million prize split by eight co-workers at a Nebraska meat-packing plant in February 2006.