Biggest Powerball jackpot in months grows larger

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP/CBS 58) — The biggest lottery prize in more than eight months is growing larger after no ticket matched all five numbers and the Powerball in Saturday night's drawing.

The estimated jackpot for the next drawing on Monday is $670 million. The jackpot has slowly climbed thanks to 40 consecutive drawings without a grand prize winner.

People in the Milwaukee area are looking to win.

Whether you play the Powerball a lot, like Dennis Rainer, or only when the prize is big, like Tierra Johnson.

"We normally play the Powerball, my wife and I," said Rainer.

"[My parents] told me I should get it so that's why I'm gonna get it, the number is really high so why not come and get it," said Johnson.

Kelly Turcotte, manager at Amoco gas station, said people are turning out to buy Powerball tickets.

"It depends on the customer, sometimes we get people who only want one, but you know you can only buy one and win with one, or you get those that want to play $90, $100, $150," said Turcotte.

She said she doesn't play herself because she sees more losers than winners.

"Oh yeah it's up there, so people are 'we're gonna win we're gonna win… okay," said Turcotte.

Regardless, the people hoping to be winners have big dreams, like Johnson, looking to buy her parents a house.

"Yeah, you know what, I'd have to buy my mom and dad a house, without you all putting me onto this I wouldn't even have it," said Johnson.

Or Rainer, who's looking to just take it easy while taking care of loved ones.

"Definitely take a nice vacation, I'm retired now but still a nice vacation and help a lot of people out that I know," said Rainer.

There hasn't been a bigger Powerball jackpot since a $731.1 million prize was won on Jan. 20.

The odds of winning the jackpot are one in 292.2 million.

The estimated jackpot amount refers to an annuity option. Most winners take cash, which for Monday's drawing would be an estimated $474.8 million, before taxes.