BOISE – If you have been too busy shopping for the perfect gift, take a second to think about the $130 million Powerball jackpot. One lucky Idaho Powerball winner could take home $130 million for the holidays if the jackpot is hit tonight.

This is the second-largest Powerball jackpot Idaho has seen this year. In March the jackpot reached $150 million when players in Kansas, Missouri and Minnesota hit the right numbers. If the Powerball jackpot is not hit tonight, then the jackpot will become an estimated $165 million jackpot for Saturday.

In Idaho’s history with Powerball, the highest Idaho jackpot winner, Pam Hiatt, won $87 million in June 1995. The Idaho Lottery has made 13 Idaho players instant millionaires. 

For those players that wait until the jackpot hits a certain amount, now is the time, retailers all over the state are ready to begin the rush for the lucky quick pick.

Amy Harwood, spokesperson for the Idaho Lottery, challenges Idahoans to get out there and buy those tickets. “What would you do if you won $130 million?”

Powerball is the multi-state lotto game that offers players nine ways to win. Players select five numbers from 1 to 49 and a Powerball from 1 to 42. The jackpot is won by matching all five numbers plus the Powerball. Odds of winning a cash prize are 1 in 34.8. Jackpot odds are 1 in 80 million. Powerball is played in 20 states and the District of Columbia. Drawings are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The Drawing for Powerball is held at 8:59 MST and results are posted on the Idaho Lottery’s website: www.idaholottery.com