Powerball jackpot reaches record $500 million; cash payout near $327 million

TULSA - Lottery players have their eyes set on half a billion dollars.

Wednesday's jackpot is the largest in Powerball history -- $500 million.  The cash option is more than $327 million.

The chances of winning are one in 175 million, but for those playing their attitude is "someone has to win it" and it may be them.

"I'll still try and some of the devices that I use probably everybody else does," said Robert Seago.  "So far that hasn't worked."

QuikTrip manager Steve Franklin says Powerball sales usually double or even triple any time the jackpot reaches $100 million to $200 million.

Franklin expects a rush to hit this evening.

"We'll sell a little bit early in the morning and at about 5 o'clock it really picks up and about an hour before it draws people go crazy," said Franklin.  "People doing nothing but Powerball."

The drawing is at 9:59 p.m.

You can find the numbers on 2NEWS at 10 and KJRH.com.