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Powerball swells to $320 million, 4th largest jackpot

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(CNN) — The Powerball jackpot has reached $320 million for Wednesday’s drawing, the fourth largest in the game’s history, officials said.

The national lottery drawing — which is held in 42 states — is scheduled for 10:59 ET, though potential gamers can be cut off one to two hours beforehand, depending on the state.

It is also held in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia.

The prize swelled Saturday after no one hit all six numbers.

The game’s largest prize to date was $365 million, which was awarded in 2006 to a group of eight co-workers at a Nebraska meat-packing plant.

In 2005, a group of four in Oregon won a $340 million jackpot — considered the second largest.

Earlier this year, Louise White, an 81 year-old Rhode Island resident, came forward as the winner of a $336.4 million prize, the third largest in the game’s history.

I’m very happy and I’m very proud,” she said. “We are truly blessed. Thank you.”

White bought the winning ticket in February in Newport, Rhode Island, after a family member had a craving for rainbow sherbet and brought her to a store where she purchased the ticket.

After realizing she had won, White tucked the winning ticket into her Bible and went to sleep holding the book, bringing it with her to breakfast the next day until she could eventually store it in a safe deposit box, before claiming her winnings.

By Chris Boyette
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