Watch CBS News

$600M Up For Grabs In Biggest Powerball Jackpot Ever

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It's a scramble for lottery tickets, as the Powerball jackpot reaches a record high.

Six-hundred million dollars are up for grabs, and that number could get even higher before Saturday night's drawing.

Rochelle Ritchie has the mad ticket rush around Maryland.

Millions of people are hoping to have the winning ticket and be that 1 in 175 million to pull off the biggest win in lottery history.

One by one, people are filing into their local drug stores and gas stations, hoping they purchase the winning numbers to the $600 million Powerball jackpot up for grabs.

"It's just beyond rational thinking, but we're all hoping we're going to win," a man said.

At Canton Market, many are stunned to see the lottery so high, the highest it's ever been. Your chances to win the millions: 1 in 175 million.

Some people are doing pools at work in hopes that may give them a better chance of striking it rich.

"Sixty people probably," said Aubrey Newton.

Ritchie: "So what would happen at your job if you guys won, everybody would quit?"

Newton: "Yeah, walk out."

Hopeful lottery winners say even if they don't win $600 million, there is still a certain amount of money that could make them pretty happy.

"I could win a million and be happy," a man said.

Ticket holders say if they win, they aren't calling out sick to celebrate. Let's just say it will be an early retirement.

"I will quit my job, first of all," a man said.

And if you do win Saturday, the lump sum is $377 million.

The drawing is Saturday night.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.