SANDPOINT — With no jackpot winner for last evening’s draw, the Powerball jackpot for Saturday night is now an estimated $415 million. The Powerball jackpot is now the seventh largest in the game’s history. It has been steadily growing since it was last won on March 2, 2016.

“As is usually the case when jackpots get huge, player interest grows,” said Jeff Anderson, Idaho Lottery Director. “We’re taking measures to prepare our retailers, but we also want to remind our players to only play what they can afford, not go overboard. It does only take one ticket to win.”

The Idaho Lottery has notified retailers they may see an increase in foot traffic over the weekend as more players begin to frequent their stores to buy tickets for Saturday night’s big jackpot. In addition, the Mega Millions jackpot for this Friday night’s draw is an estimated $138 million. 

Randy Howard at the Conoco Station at 209 E. Superior St. said that ticket sales were just slightly above average Friday, even though his store had a $1 million winner last autumn. He says that business is about what he would expect with a jackpot of this size up for grabs.

Sandpoint players have until 6:55 p.m. PDT on Saturday to purchase a ticket to participate in this Powerball draw.

The Idaho Lottery also recommends players sign the back of their tickets and keep them in a safe place until claiming their prize.