The Powerball Jackpot Becomes One of the Largest in History
By: Dana Chicklas
Updated: November 25, 2012
After no jackpot-winning ticket was sold for Saturday's Powerball drawing, the Grand Prize has jumped to $425 million, a record-breaking amount.
"It gets bigger every month or every year. I hope to be one of the Powerball winners, and by being on TV I might be the one. Remember this face," says Lucious Alexander, a Powerball ticket holder.
Some local small business owners predict the jackpot will creep up to $550 million after all tickets are bought.
"Sales are going to be through the roof, that high, because everybody wants to be in to win, to have their luck tested, and a lifetime of opportunity. Only in America," says Aslam Choudhry, a local small business owner.
While the ticket frenzy has already kicked off in stores, some lottery players say they know what they'd do with their winnings.
"I guess I'd spend it on family and invest it maybe on businesses," says Merlo.
Some stores have already made plans to do business with some of the longest lines they've ever seen.
"The busiest day will be the Wednesday, when the drawing happens, then it's going to be all lines. We are planning to put extra help, a dedicated person for the lottery," says Choudhry.
If there's just a single winner this drawing, who opts to take their prize all at once in cash, they'll be walking away with $278.3 million according to Powerball Lottery.


