Powerball jackpot reaches $320 Million

CREATED Mar. 21, 2013

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With the first weekend of spring approaching and a $320 million Powerball jackpot for Saturday night, Idaho retailers are preparing for an increase in player traffic, according to the Idaho Lottery.

“Idaho players have a long history of playing responsibly in our State,” said Idaho Lottery Director Jeff Anderson. “Big Powerball jackpots are a lot of fun and we want to remind everyone that when they do play, to only spend what they can afford not to go overboard. It does only take one ticket to win.”

When jackpots reach this high, Anderson added that players do not necessarily buy more opportunities to win, but rather more players – often in groups – jump into the game for their chance at the jackpot.

“While this is business as usual, we do expect our retail locations to see an increase in foot traffic over the weekend, as sales have already been brisk,” said Anderson.

The estimated jackpot for Saturday night is currently $320 million, with a one-time cash value of $198.3 million. After income tax withholding, a jackpot winner Saturday in Idaho could take home slightly over $134,000,000 in cash. This is the sixth largest Powerball jackpot in the game’s history.

Powerball tickets are $2 each. Players have until 7:55 PM Mountain Time Saturday evening to purchase a Powerball ticket for their chance of the $320 million jackpot from one of the nearly 1,200 retail locations that sell Idaho Lottery products in the Gem State.