Powerball jackpot soars to $450 million

The already big Powerball jackpot for Wednesday’s drawing has climbed even further from $400 million to an estimated $450 million with a cash option of $275.4 million.

Those still interested in playing the lottery have until 9:59 p.m. Wednesday to purchase a ticket before the 10:59 p.m. drawing.

Hoosiers have won 38 jackpots, including an incredible back-to-back run in April 2011, when scientist and Hoosier native turned Texas resident Bill Swanson won a $74 million jackpot and plumbers Michael Reardon and Darin Fox subsequently cashed in with a $221 million win in Clarksville. The prize just increased due to increased sales from $400 million to $450 million.

On Aug. 15, 2012, Donald Lawson, of Lapeer, won a $337 million Powerball jackpot.

The largest ever Powerball jackpot victor in Kansas was Donald Damon of Great Bend, who won $96 million in November 2009. The $450 million prize is based on an annuity, which would pay out the money over 29 years. Powerball is played 44 states as well as the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

Powerball’s largest jackpot was more than $590 million in May 2013. But as lottery officials often note, people have no chance of winning if they don’t buy a ticket.

An 84-year-old Floridian won the biggest grand prize in the game’s history in May 2013.