U.S. Powerball jackpot now up to $500 million

Urbandale, IA, United States (4E) – Wednesday’s American Powerball jackpot has leaped to half a billion dollars, said lottery officials.

The jackpot will be around $500 million and feverish ticket buying is expected, added lottery officials.

Chuck Strutt, executive director of the Multi-State Lottery Association, said “Typically, 60% of sales occur the last day, we’ll see how many people decide to play $500 million.”

The odds of getting the six winning numbers are remote: one in 175 million.

Sales in many of the 42 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands, have increased since the jackpot reached an estimated $325 million last weekend.

Tickets are usually available an hour before the drawing, which is set for 10:59 ET Wednesday.

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