As Powerball jackpot reaches $1.2 billion, Hoosiers try their luck
INDIANA-- It's one of the biggest jackpots in lottery history. Tuesday, Powerball players had a chance to win a whopping $1.2 billion if they have a winning ticket.
Tuesday night is the 39th drawing for this jackpot after there were no winners 38 days in a row, which is why the jackpot is so large.
"I'm 100% confident, you know? This is the winning number, right here," said Powerball player Zie.
The Powerball jackpot is the second largest in Powerball's 30-year history and the fourth largest in U.S. jackpot history. It's currently $1.2 billion, equating to about $376 million after federal taxes.
"I only play it when it gets really big because I know my chances are even slimmer but it's just fun," said player Phyllis Perry. "As slim as it may be, you still have a chance."
And even if your ticket is not a jackpot, small prizes are still up for grabs.
Here in Indiana, the Hoosier lottery helps support local police and firefighter pensions, the teacher's retirement fund, and the lottery surplus fund.
"Whenever it's like, this high or keeps getting higher, we're like 'no one's winning.' that's when we decide to buy a ticket or a couple tickets, just to have the opportunity to say, 'I participated in that,'" said player Courtney Wolfram.
I asked Powerball players what they would do if they have the winning ticket.
"Disappear. Live off the grid," Chris Mohney said.
"Invest… you know, stocks, bonds, my family, future goals, it's a lot," said Zie.
"Pay off all my debt," said Wolfram.
"You think about all the things you could do, but to really-- I would have to sit down and really contemplate what it is I would want to do with it. Something meaningful," Perry said.
The winning Powerball numbers are 22, 11, 60, 2, and 35, and the Powerball is 23.