Oklahoma Lottery Officials Hope Big Prize Ends 'Jackpot Fatigue'

With the Powerball jackpot drawing the third largest in history, a lot of people were hoping to strike it rich Wednesday night.

Lottery commissions across the country, and in Oklahoma, are counting on the large jackpot to revive sagging sales.

With sales down recently, state funded education has lost more than $20 million in potential revenue since 2013.

Some say “jackpot fatigue” is to blame for lagging sales.

“The bigger the pot, the more fun you can have," said ticket buyer, Laura Prochaska.

She, and others, line up for the chance at a $500 million jackpot. It's a big payout for the winner, and the state.

The bigger the jackpot the more interested the players; a trend contributing to jackpot fatigue, where players don't buy unless jackpots are record breaking.

QuikTrip's Mike Thornbrugh said QT sees sales stay pretty steady, but when the prizes get this big, more people take the chance.

"It doesn't appear to get the fervor if you will that we've seen. I don't know what the magic number is, but it's kind of becoming a complacent thing for everybody. They're used to it," he said.

Money spent on tickets goes towards all types of education in Oklahoma; and with sales down since 2013, and projected profits even lower for 2015, this jackpot has a lot riding on it - not only for players – but for students as well.

"I mean, I know my chances are one in 175 million, I know that, but I'm willing to play to make the pot sweet for whoever wins," Prochaska said.

If the winner decides to take the lump sum option it will be less than the $500 million, but $337.8 million instead.

Four people have won the Powerball in Oklahoma since 2006.