PowerBall Jackpot Reaches Record $900 Million

The PowerBall jackpot has climbed to a record $900 million and Rhode Islanders are scrambling to gobble up tickets in the hope of fabulously rich.

The jackpot has climbed more than $200 million in just three days. Nobody won Wednesday’s drawing, which had a jackpot of $450 million. The fury of ticket sales for that drawing put the jackpot at $700 million. By Friday it had climbed to $800 million. On Saturday morning, the Rhode Island Lottery Commission said the record breaking jackpot was $900 million with an estimated cash payout of $558 million.

Tickets can be purchased up until 9:50 p.m. Saturday. Expect a line at particularly busy lottery retailers.

The drawing takes place at 10:59 p.m.

The more-than half-billion cash payout would give a sole winner more money than the annual budgets of some small countries like Cape Verde, Aruba, Guyana, Belize, the British Virgin Islands, Niger and even the Vatican.

For a list of lottery retailers in Rhode Island, go HERE.

The last time a Rhode Islander hit it big was in 2012, when Louise White of Newport won $336.4 million after she bought a ticket while on a quick run to Stop and Shop to buy some rainbow sherbet.

The jackpot winner will also be giving a boost to state coffers. Rhode Island got nearly $18 million in taxes from the 2012 jackpot win by White.

Looking fortips to increase your odds of winning Powerball? Ditch birth dates or other milestones—balls are numbered up to 69 and calendar dates are at the extreme low end of the spectrum. Also, play with friends or co-workers.

And remember to sign the back of your ticket! You wouldn’t want someone else walking away with your jackpot if you lose your ticket.