Sunblock, charcoal ... and Powerball? Holiday weekend lottery drawing worth $1 billion
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DETROIT (AP) — Plenty of sunscreen could be needed for Labor Day weekend: Saturday’s Powerball jackpot is projected to reach $1 billion, marking the sixth-largest prize in Powerball’s history.

For $2 per ticket, Powerball is accessible in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The jackpot has continued to grow each week due to no ticket matching all six numbers since May 31.

As ticket sales surged this week, officials increased the estimated Saturday night jackpot to $1 billion from $950 million, taxes not included. The winnings would be distributed over 30 years, or the winner could opt for an immediate lump sum of $453 million, also before taxes.

“We’re bringing extra excitement to Labor Day weekend,” said Matt Strawn, head of the Iowa Lottery and chair of Powerball.

The chance of matching all six numbers is, of course, slim: 1 in 292.2 million. In comparison, the odds of experiencing a rare shark bite during a final summer ocean swim are significantly lower, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History.

Angela Schwartz, who sells tickets at City Market in downtown Detroit, said the message Friday was consistent: “Give me a lucky Powerball.”

“I don’t know if that’s enough for me,” she said with a laugh, referring to the lump-sum payout a winner could get. “It could pay a few bills.”

At a Fuel City in Dallas, Duran Hargest let the lottery machine spit out four tickets with random numbers.

“Winning it could be a blessing,” he remarked about the jackpot. “It might also be a curse, depending on its use. Should I win, I’d ensure my family’s wellbeing and probably aid others who need help.”

Powerball and Mega Millions offer massive jackpots as they span multiple states. The highest Powerball jackpot was $2.04 billion on Nov. 7, 2022, while the largest Mega Millions prize reached $1.6 billion on Aug. 8, 2023.

___

LaFleur reported from Dallas.

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