Powerball jackpot soars to estimated $1.8 billion
No one won the $1.4 billion Powerball jackpot on Wednesday night, pushing the top prize to an estimated $1.8 billion.
The jackpot for Saturday's drawing would have an estimated cash value of $826.4 million. Both totals are before taxes.
Wednesday's amount was the fifth-largest jackpot in Powerball history, and the sixth-largest among U.S. lottery jackpot games.
Bobby & Steve's Auto World in Minneapolis was buzzing on Wednesday at the prospect of the unfathomable win.
"I am feeling lucky today," said customer Tara Eck. "Hopefully, I will be vanishing onto a private island."
Dreams varied from exciting splurges to meaningful donations. Hundreds of people walked in buying possibilities big ones, shelling out anywhere from $2 to more than $200 worth of Powerball tickets.
The goal is to beat the odds of 1 in 292 million.
"It only takes one ticket to win," said Adam Prock, executive director of the Minnesota Lottery. "Dream about what you're going to do when you win $1 billion. And if you don't win, know that money is going to a good cause."
Minnesota's most expensive home is a Lake Minnetonka mansion priced at a whopping $68 million. If you win Saturday's jackpot, the cash value could buy you 11 of those — with plenty left over for fine furnishings.
The Minnesota Lottery has generated $4 billion for state programs since it began in 1990.
NOTE: The video attached to this story aired before Wednesday night's drawing.