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Wednesday's Powerball Jackpot Grows To $485 Million, 5th Largest Prize In U.S. History

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- What would you do with all of that money?

The Powerball jackpot has climbed to $485 million, making Wednesday night's drawing the fifth largest prize in U.S. history.

It's been more than two months since someone won the Powerball jackpot, so the prize has been gradually growing from its $40 million starting point.

The last time Powerball grew nearly so large was February 2014.

Because of strong sales, lottery officials Tuesday raised the estimated jackpot from $450 million to $485 million.

Lottery officials are quick to point out that the game is for fun and a chance to dream. They note the chance of winning a Powerball jackpot is about 1 in 175 million.

Powerball revenue has been down slightly during a drought of jackpots, but officials say this big prize has caused sales to surge.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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