Clock ticks, Powerball frenzy reaches fever-pitch - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

Clock ticks, Powerball frenzy reaches fever-pitch

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By Suzanne Bratton - bio | email
COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) -

The Powerball frenzy is reaching a fever-pitch as the jackpot soars to more than half a billion dollars. People across the country and right here in Columbus are buying tickets with the hope of being the one who wins it all.

At the Texaco on Wynnton Road in Columbus, people have been coming from different states to buy a Powerball ticket. 

Georgia lottery officials say the heavy traffic of ticket sales is why Wednesday's Powerball jackpot has been raised to $550 million. This is the largest jackpot in the game's history. 

A local woman tells us why she decided to buy her Powerball ticket.

"To take a chance on winning; to become a millionaire; to help my family; to bless someone. I just want to take my chances on the Powerball, so that I can take care of my family. I'm going to be that one! " said Anita Willis of Harris County, GA.

One in 175 million - those are the odds of winning the $550 million jackpot prize.

But if you are that lucky one - Powerball offers two payment options, the jackpot prize paid over 29 years, or the cash option which is about $330 million before taxes.

The jackpot has been growing since October 6th and has rolled over 16 times.

If you want to play you still have time to get your ticket! The drawing will be tonight at 11.

Get the lottery results via text tonight by texting LOTTERY to 40909. Messaging and data rates may apply. 

You can also sign up for our breaking news, daily weather forecasts, sports alerts and more here: http://www.wtvm.com/alerts

Copyright 2012 WTVM. All rights reserved. 

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