Record-Shattering Powerball Jackpot Increases St. Cloud Area Sales [VIDEO]

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ST. CLOUD - The Powerball jackpot has hit a record high payout, and Wednesday's drawing could potentially make someone a whole lot richer.

Nobody won the $325 million dollar prize in last Saturday's drawing, now taking the earnings over a record-breaking $500 million - with an estimated $300 million cash value - in advance of tomorrow night's drawing.

Tony Kruzel works at the Holiday Gas Station in St. Cloud on Highway 10. He says he's not only seen new customers buying tickets, but also a marked increase in ticket buys for regulars.

"People who buy one or two will typically buy 3 or 4 now," he says. "Plus, people are buying in groups, since it does increase your odds."

Kruzel says he expects a spike in sales through today. He adds, he thinks the jackpot amount could actually rise closer to $600 million before the drawing - likely due to new players.

The Powerball prize amount tops the old record of $365 million, set in 2006, but doesn't match up with last March's Mega Millions prize of $656 million, split between three winners.

Minnesota is one of the 42 states which participate in Powerball drawings.

In case you're curious, the odds of winning the Jackpot are somewhere around 1 in 175 million.