After no one won Wednesday’s $1.2 billion Powerball jackpot, Washington’s players could now have $1.6 billion reasons to be thrilled after the next drawing on Saturday.
On Friday, the estimated jackpot raised to $1.6 billion for Saturday’s drawing, a new record jackpot, previously set by a $1.586 billion jackpot in 2016.
Wednesday’s jackpot — the second-largest in Powerball history — resulted in a frantic yet fun shift for Powerball sellers like Janine Henry, as potential winning tickets flew off her shelves at the Hilltop Red Apple Market on Beacon Hill.
“I couldn’t even put a number on it,” Henry said. “I’ve only been working in the last hour and it’s probably up to a thousand.”
The prize on Wednesday sat at a cool $1.2 billion. An astronomical total — mainly because no jackpot has been won for 38 consecutive drawings since early August.
“You get a lot of people that play because it is super high, and they’re not sure how to play,” Henry said. “They’re like, ‘What do I got to do?’”
It’s been more than six years since anyone in Washington won a huge Powerball drawing, yet state lotto officials are all hoping that soon changes.
“I really want someone from Washington to win,” said Kristi Weeks with Washington’s Lottery. “I want to give that big check away. I think it would be great.”
Powerball players definitely agree. Should they win, they tell us everyone in their family will benefit.
“Well, let’s see. I got three kids, four grandchildren, so I think they would be happy,” said Powerball player Bill Turner. “I’d take care of them.”
After taxes are taken out of the $1.6 billion grand prize, a solo Washington winner would still take home a lump sum of about $583 million, after taxes.
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