Half-billion dollar jackpot generating unprecedented sales

MUSL also expects to award $70 million in non-jackpot cash prizes Wednesday

By Todd Northrop

Player enthusiasm nationwide for Wednesday night's Powerball jackpot, the largest in Powerball history, has resulted in record sales leading to an increase today in the estimated jackpot amount to $500 million — currently the largest in the world, and the second largest jackpot in U.S. lottery history.

Besides the jackpot, Powerball is expected to award nearly $70 million in cash prizes from Wednesday's draw.

"Nationally, Powerball is selling at an average rate of 105,000 tickets per minute," said Chuck Strutt, Director of the Multi-State Lottery Association. And, we expect sales to remain strong until game close for Wednesday night's drawing."

[link to www.lotterypost.com]