ÔÇïBOISE, Idaho ÔÇô The estimated Powerball jackpot for Wednesday night is close to one-quarter of a billion dollars. Jackpot fever is sweeping the Gem State as Lottery players are finding their way to retail locations across Idaho to play for the chance to win an annuitized jackpot worth an estimated $245,000,000. This is the largest Powerball jackpot since March 15, 2008.

"We saw a lot of enthusiasm last week and with the jackpot continuing to grow, more and more players will take the opportunity to visit a retail location and play for the chance at winning big," said Jeff Anderson, Idaho Lottery Director.

"As jackpot fever continues to increase, we want to remind players that it only takes one ticket to win and to play what you can afford, not go overboard," added Anderson.

Since inception in 1989, the Idaho Lottery has offered Powerball (Super Lotto America from 1990 ÔÇô 1992). During that time, the price of a ticket for the chance to win millions has remained unchanged ÔÇô it still costs only $1. Players can also select the PowerPlay option for an additional $1 and multiply any non-jackpot winnings by up to 5 times. Any Match 5 winners that have PowerPlay, usually a $200,000 winner, will win an automatic $1,000,000.

If won on Wednesday night, this would be the 10th largest Powerball jackpot ever won in the United States. If won in Idaho, it would rank as the largest winner ever for the Gem State and would better Brad Duke's 2005 win by $25 million.

In Idaho, there were a total of 18,446 players who won $116,334 from Saturday night's Powerball draw. Players wanting to purchase a ticket for the draw on Wednesday night have until 7:55 P.M. Mountain Time to do so.

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