$485 million Powerball jackpot is 5th largest in US history
The Powerball jackpot has climbed to $485 million, making Wednesday night's drawing the fifth largest prize in U.S. history.
Posted — UpdatedIt's been more than two months since someone won the Powerball jackpot, so the prize has been gradually growing from its $40 million starting point.
The last time Powerball grew nearly so large was February 2014.
Because of strong sales, lottery officials Tuesday raised the estimated jackpot from $450 million to $485 million.
“We are excited for players in our state who have a chance to become North Carolina’s fourth Powerball jackpot winner,” said Alice Garland, executive director of the North Carolina Education Lottery. “But we remind folks there are eight other ways to win on a ticket, so make sure to sign your tickets and check carefully to see if you won.”
Over the past 20 drawings, North Carolina players have won more than $7.6 million. Four tickets matched all five white balls drawn to win $1 million each, and 20 tickets matched four white balls and the red Powerball to win $10,000 or more.
Powerball tickets cost $2 and adding the $1 Power Play feature allows players to boost their non-jackpot winnings. According to lottery officials, the odds of matching all six numbers to win the jackpot are approximately 1 in 175 million. Three North Carolina players have won Powerball jackpots ranging from $74.5 million to $141.4 million.
Sales of tickets for games including Powerball have enabled the lottery to raise more than $3.6 billion for education.
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