Powerball Jackpot and Dreams of Lotto Players Rise

CLEVELAND — Millions of Powerball lottery players are once again dreaming of how their lives would change if they were to possess the lucky numbers pulled for tonight’s $320 million drawing.

Fox 8 New’s Todd Meany reports that in just one week the top annuity prize, payable in 30 yearly checks, has risen by $108 million.

According to Meany, the $320 million jackpot is now the fourth largest Powerball jackpot in history.

Those purchasing tickets at a gas station in Brook Park on Wednesday morning told Fox 8 News that they would be ready for all that comes with winning the life changing jackpot.

“I’d probably take a little vacation and travel. But I’d probably give a lot away because that’s a lot of money to deal with,” said one ticket buyer who did not want to be identified.

According to the Ohio Lottery, the cash option will pay a $213.3 million before taxes.

Meany says that in the event no ticket is sold with the winning numbers after tonight’s drawing we can expect a new Powerball record jackpot. The previous record is $365 million in 2006. Eight food plant workers from Nebraska won the record jackpot, splitting 177.3 million after taxes.