Hundreds score free Powerball ticket for chance to win $325 million jackpot

The Powerball jackpot has reached an estimated $325 million. Friday morning the jackpot was only worth $310 but the Mulit State Lottery Association said they would increase the prize due to popular demand.

The jackpot reached the high amount after no player hit Wednesday’s $250 million jackpot.

Approximately 310 lucky players scored a free Powerball with Power Play ticket Friday morning thanks to the Hoosier Lottery.  The tickets were given away at the Village Pantry located on the city’s northwest side beginning at 6 a.m.

A dancing Powerball mascot entertained the large crowds. All the tickets were given away in less than 1 hour and 15 minutes. 

“It would be a tremendous burden off my shoulders for me and my children, to help my family, just live comfortably,” said Margeretha Madison. 

The deadline in Indiana to purchase a ticket for a chance to snag the $325 million jackpot is 9:58 p.m. Saturday.  The tickets are $2.

“If you're a winner, tuck it away in a safe place and sign it right away too,” said Al Larsen, spokesperson for the Hoosier Lottery. “That's important.”

So what would you do if you won the jackpot?  Some people Fox59 spoke with said they would take a vacation, pay off their debts, donate it to charities and even quit their job.

Hoosier may have a better chance against others in the U.S. due to Indiana’s luck with past lotteries.

“Indiana actually leads the nation in Powerball wins historically,” said Larsen. “The game is 20-years-old. We had the very first Powerball jackpot winner in Indiana and we’ve had 38 historically, so for whatever reason, we lead the nation and our retailers and our players are very lucky, so it’s a good omen for Saturday night.”

If no one wins the jackpot Saturday night, it will roll over and the jackpot will increase. Then, there will be another drawing Wednesday.

Check winning numbers or find more information about recent Powerball changes on the Hoosier Lottery website.