UPDATE: Powerball Jackpot Jumps to $550 Million

Who wants to be a $500 millionaire?

The jackpot for Wednesday’s Powerball drawing is estimated at $550 million -- and could continue to grow today, a record-breaking figure for the multi-state lottery game, according to the Georgia Lottery.

“The Powerball jackpot has soared to a record amount, which is exciting for players and important for the educational programs we fund,” said Georgia Lottery Corporation President and CEO Debbie D. Alford in a press release.

“Georgia Lottery players have a chance to win big, and the students of Georgia certainly win big with every ticket purchased.”

Wednesday’s jackpot has grown to a record pot because no one has matched the winning numbers in 15 straight drawings. The numbers for Saturday’s $325 million drawing were 22, 32, 37, 44, 50 and Powerball 34.

Powerball is played in 42 states, including Georgia, as well as the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The $500 million Powerball jackpot is the second largest in Georgia Lottery history behind the historic world record $656 million Mega Millions jackpot in March.

For those of you willing to shell out $2 per play, Powerball offers two payment options: the $500 million jackpot prize paid over 29 years in 30 graduated payments, or the cash option, which is approximately $327 million.

POWERBALL FAST FACTS (courtesy of the Georgia Lottery Corporation)

Draw Date: Nov. 28, 2012

Estimated Jackpot Amount: $500 million

Annuity Amount: Jackpot prize paid over 29 years in 30 graduated payments
Cash Option Amount: Approximately $327 million

Cost to Play: $2 per play; an additional $1 per play to add the Power Play multiplier

Drawings: 11 p.m. (ET) every Wednesday and Saturday

Overall Odds of Winning Any Prize: Approximately 1:32

Odds of Winning Jackpot Prize: Approximately 1:175 million

Date Jackpot Began Rolling: Oct. 6, 2012

Number of Rolls: 15

Last Winning Powerball Jackpot Ticket: Oct. 3, 2012 – $50 million jackpot (Delaware winner)

#1 Powerball Jackpot: Nov. 28, 2012 – $500 million jackpot (Current jackpot)

Previous Powerball Record Jackpot: Feb. 18, 2006 – $365 million (Nebraska winner)

#1 Georgia Lottery Jackpot: March 30, 2012 – $656 million Mega Millions jackpot (Maryland, Illinois, Kansas winners)

WHERE TO PLAY POWERBALL

Click here for a list of Powerball retailers in Canton and Cherokee County.