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Powerball Jackpot Frenzy As People Hope To Strike It Rich [Videos, Photos]

By Charisse Van Horn
Published on: 11:16 PST, Jan 7, 2016

The largest Powerball jackpot in United States history has created frenzy as people hope to strike it rich. As the Powerball jackpot continues to rise after no one failed to match all winning numbers, so too has the chances of actually taking the jackpot home. With more people playing the Powerball lottery for the first time as they hope to cash in on the grand prize, we’re seeing a bit of unusual activity. In fact, it appears a bit of frenzy and pandemonium is ensuing and some people are crossing state lines in order to buy a ticket.

One way people are showing their frenzy and excitement for the Powerball jackpot is by determining what they’d do if they won the money. Never mind the fact that statistics put the odds of them winning at one out of 292 million. The Powerball jackpot has the power to change lives, and countless people want in on the action. Not only are people crossing state lines, but they are also actually waiting in long lines in order to buy a Powerball ticket for Saturday’s drawing.

Check out these videos from news outlets who interviewed people who have been waiting in lines for as long as two-and-a-half hours.

As the excitement continues to mount, more people are speaking out about how they would spend the Powerball jackpot. While some have stated they would share the winnings with friends, family, and donate to charity, others have said they would use it on entertainment. When one reporter for Channel 5 asked a man live on the air how he would spend the winnings, he replied, “Cocaine and hookers.” You can see that exchange in the video below.

One cameraman has stated that if anyone retweeted his picture on Twitter, he would share his winnings with them.

Others are discussing buying private islands, luxury vehicles, and other ways to spend the Powerball jackpot. It’s important to note that many people who have previously won jackpots, including the Powerball lottery, purchased so many big-ticket items that they lost everything. Those who do win large sums whether in the Powerball jackpot or other lotteries should speak with a financial adviser and accountant as soon as possible. The Internal Revenue Service will not hesitate to take their share of your winnings, and you must be prepared to pay Uncle Sam or else suffer the consequences.

This Twitter user has shared that his rent is due on Monday, and hopes he wins the Powerball jackpot. With the odds stacked against him, let’s hope he finds another way to pay his bills.

Are you caught up in Powerball fever? Have you bought a ticket? Are you hoping to cash in on Saturday’s Powerball jackpot?

[Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images]

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