Louisville,Ky. (WDRB News) -- A lot of people are catching Powerball fever.
People buying tickets today in big numbers because not only is tonight's jackpot the fourth largest ever at $320 million, but the cash option of $213 million is the largest in Powerball history.
William Decker says he is not feeling especially lucky but was buying a ticket at the Shell Convenience store on Lower Brownsboro Road. "I guess I have to take a chance," he said.
Decker has an idea what to do with the money should he win. "I definitely would like to buy some land."
Rob Puma was feeling confident holding up what he says will be the winning ticket while buying it at the convenience store.
"I am not a regular player," he said, I only buy a ticket when it gets big."
At the start of this year, the cost of a powerball ticket doubled from one to two dollars in an effort to increase jackpots and get more people interested in playing those more frequent higher jackpots.
The strategy seems to be working. "The idea of increasing the play to $2.00 was to create bigger jackpots faster, with more millionaires and we have seen that," says Kentucky Lottery spokesperson Sara Westerman.
The Kentucky Lottery is coming off a good year.
It had record sales last fiscal year of $823 million in revenue from about 50 scratch and draw games.
"It was a great year for the Kentucky Lottery," says Westermen.
She says the state received $216 million from the lottery to go toward college grants, scholarships and literacy programs.
But on Wednesday not everyone had Powerball fever.
"I know someone is going to win and I hope they spend it wisely, but it is just not for me," said Mark Lasick who did not buy a ticket.
Indiana leads the nation in Powerball winners with 38.
Kentucky has had 18 winners which puts it in fourth place.
Powerball is played in 44 jurisdictions.
