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Why Someone Will Likely Hit Wednesday's $1.5 Billion Powerball Jackpot

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Powerball frenzy has reached an unprecedented level. Wednesday night's jackpot has grown to a whopping $1.5 billion dollars, which is now the largest in the world and still growing. The lump sum cash value is $930 million.

Powerball officials said there is a good chance someone will hit the jackpot Wednesday night because they expect at least 80 percent of possible number combinations to be sold by drawing time. But the odds of winning are still 1 in 292.2 million.

Powerball tickets are sold in 44 states, as well as Washington, D.C., the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

Those who live in the following states will have to cross an ocean or climb over mountains to try their luck.

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Hawaii
  • Mississippi
  • Nevada
  • Utah

 

There is so much at stake. Even people from other countries want a piece of the action. Thousands of Canadians have been crossing the border to buy their tickets. You do not have to be an American citizen to play. But foreigners will have to pay extra taxes.

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