Record jackpot has people rushing for Powerball tickets - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

Wednesday night someone out there could strike big as the Powerball reaches a record payout. The Powerball Jackpot is sitting at a hefty $500 million.

It's been nearly two months since someone has won the Powerball. The current payout would be the second highest jackpot in lottery history, falling behind to the $656 million Mega Million prize back in March.

As various states join in, they benefit from the jackpot's sales. With more people playing, it means higher revenue for the state and its programs.

You pay $2 for a Powerball ticket. $1 goes to the prizes and the other is kept by the state.

42 states, as well as Washington D.C. and even the Virgin Islands are all taking part in both the Powerball and the Mega Millions.

 Still, one national correspondent put it best by saying you have a better chance of becoming an astronaut, being struck by lightning multiple times, or even being elected president. Even so, it's not stopping people from giving it a go. 

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