Powerball Jackpot Increases To $1.4 Billion
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- At $1.4 billion and counting. With no winners in Saturday's Powerball drawing, the jackpot is soaring to a new world record.
Ava-joye Burnett explains why Maryland is hoping one of you will have the winning ticket.
As folks flood convenience stores hoping to be that lucky Powerball winner, they have the state of Maryland rooting for them as well -- not because they're your friends, but because they're banking on those tax dollars.
The Powerball frenzy continues. After no winners on Saturday, the jackpot has crushed its own record.
But if you win, even before you get your money, the government will beat you to it.
"Oh, for the state alone, you get all the taxes on that money, and, of course, it's hundreds of millions of dollars. But even without a winner, in the last week, the Maryland General Fund got over $10 million," said Gordon Medenica, director of Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency.
If someone from Maryland wins and takes the cash option of $575 million, nearly $76 million of that money will go to the state in taxes.
"It's almost too much to comprehend. These are numbers that have never been seen before anywhere in the world," said Medenica.
There were some big winners this past weekend. Someone on the Eastern Shore won $1 million. There were also seven $50,000 prizes and three $150,000 winners.
Once again, as we approach Wednesday's drawing, some hope to beat the super low odds.
"Seems like a good idea. Know it's a long shot, but never hurts to try," said Cynthia Katcoff.
Others just want for the madness to be over with.
"I hope somebody wins this time so this could be over," said Trevor Green.
The store that sells the winning ticket could collect $100,000.
The Maryland Lottery says about 80 percent of the number combinations were played on Saturday, but still, no winners.
