The world record Powerball jackpot will remain at $1.5 billion for tonight’s drawing — and if no one wins, it’s expected to soar on Saturday to at least $2 billion with a cash value of $1.24 billion.
Despite facing insurmountable odds, Kelly Cripe of the Texas Lottery Commission says players across the country have already gobbled up 85.8 percent of the 292 million possible number combinations.
On Tuesday, national sales totaled a $326,581,830 — bringing the total number for the historic drawing to $609,239,012.
“We continued to see very strong sales throughout the day on Tuesday and expect to see the same today,” said Gary Grief, chair of the Powerball game and executive director of the Texas Lottery. “Sales for this jackpot roll alone have now generated more than $1 billion for the important causes supported by lotteries across the country including public education, scholarships, the environment, veterans programs and senior citizens.”
Wednesday night’s jackpot started at $40 million on Nov. 7, 2015, and is the result of 20 drawings with no jackpot winner.