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highest jackpot ever

One lucky Powerball ticket purchaser stands to win a $700 million jackpot.

The prize amount may even grow by the time the final ticket is sold on Saturday."I think it might get up to a billion. There are still two days until the drawing," said Brandon Lux of the Five and Dime located in Jim Thorpe."I like seeing people win. Even when it's only $25, people still get excited."Cashier Jenna Yaich said business has been steady leading up to the main event. "Saturday will be the big rush.""Last drawing I had people coming in at the last minute spending $20-$30. There's definitely a lot of hype around the big numbers," Lux said Thursday night.According to Lux, quick pick is the popular choice for the $2 ticket.Turkey Hill employee Anna Nungesser said, "The $2 ticket is more popular for beginners. Seasoned players pick the $3 tickets.""Last night was insane and Saturday it'll be even worse," she said."It's the talk of the town right now," said April Yesik.The odds of winning are a staggering one in 292.2 million.How to spend the cash overwhelms most players."I would probably have a heart attack," Christine Kibler said."I'd probably have a seizure and die," said Kris Rogers."I play the Cash 5 all the time, but if I won I'd use it to make a lot of people happy. There are a lot of homeless out there," said player Joanne Klitsch.Even out-of-towners stopped in the local store to purchase a ticket for the huge jackpot. "I'd pay off my house, my parents' house and my in-laws' house," said California resident Brian Glass. "We have Powerball in California of course. I'm playing because of the high amount."Roy Cobb bought $5 worth of tickets in hopes of winning the prize. "I usually play Mega Millions but it's a high number."Cobb said it would gave his family financial security if he won.The multimillion dollar winning ticket will be drawn Saturday at 11 p.m., with tickets available for purchase until 10 p.m.

Brandon Lux sells hopeful player Brian Glass a Powerball ticket Thursday night. KELLEY ANDRADE/TIMES NEWS