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Powerball® Jackpot Hits Record $425 Million for Nov. 28 Drawing

MIDDLETOWN, Pa., Nov. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the Powerball® jackpot has reached a game-record $425 million annuity value, or a $278.3 million cash prize, for the Wednesday, Nov. 28 drawing, the Pennsylvania Lottery today reminded its customers to play responsibly.

Only one U.S. lottery jackpot has ever been larger: the $656 million Mega Millions jackpot on March 30, 2012, which was claimed as a $471 million cash prize.

The current Powerball jackpot run began Oct. 6 and there have been 15 consecutive draws without a jackpot winner.

Through Nov. 25, the Pennsylvania Lottery has seen more than $58 million in Powerball and Powerplay sales for the current jackpot run. Considering about 30 cents of each dollar spent on Lottery is dedicated to programs benefiting older Pennsylvanians, this Powerball run has already generated more than $17 million for the Lottery Fund.

The Pennsylvania Lottery suggests players should purchase their Powerball tickets early to avoid any last-minute rush and reminds them to always play responsibly.

How to play Powerball: Players pay $2 and select five white balls from the first set of 59 numbers plus a single red ball, the Powerball, from a second set of 35 numbers. Players may select their own numbers using a Powerball playslip, or they may opt for computer-selected quick picks. Players must match all five numbers drawn plus the Powerball number to win the jackpot. There also are eight additional ways for players to win a cash prize.

Powerball tickets are sold in 44 participating jurisdictions. Drawings are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Tickets are sold until 9:59 p.m. on those days.

About the Pennsylvania Lottery: The Pennsylvania Lottery remains the only state lottery that designates all its proceeds to programs that benefit older residents. Since its inception in 1971, the Pennsylvania Lottery has contributed more than $22.6 billion to programs that include property tax and rent rebates; free transit and reduced-fare shared rides; the low-cost prescription drug programs PACE and PACENET; long-term living services; and the 52 Area Agencies on Aging, including full- and part-time senior centers throughout the state.

The Pennsylvania Lottery reminds its players to play responsibly. Players must be 18 or older.

For drawings results, winning numbers, winners' stories and to subscribe to the Lottery's RSS news feed, visit www.palottery.com. Also log in to Facebook and like us at www.facebook.com/palottery or follow us at www.twitter.com/palottery.

Media contact: Gary Miller , 717-702-8008

SOURCE Pennsylvania Lottery