DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- The record Powerball jackpot just got bigger, climbing to $800 million as sales soared in the days leading up to the drawing.
Gary Grief, executive director of the Texas Lottery, says officials with the Multi-State Lottery Association on Friday raised the estimated jackpot for Saturday night's drawing from $700 million because of strong sales.
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Grief says Powerball sales on Thursday were double the previous record for that day and that it's possible the estimated jackpot could rise again before the drawing.
A winner would have the option of being paid $800 million through annual payments over 29 years or opting for $496 million in cash.
Powerball is played in 44 states as well as the District of Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
BREAKING NEWS: Saturday's #POWERBALL jackpot now $800 million!
— Florida Lottery (@floridalottery) January 8, 2016