Looking to become a millionaire quickly? Try your luck at Georgia's Powerball jackpot lottery.

Georgia Lottery officials announced Friday a rise in prize money from $310 million to $325 million in the Powerball Jackpot. The drawing will take place at 11 tonight.

Tandi Reddick, media relations manager for Georgia Lottery Corp., credited "brisk ticket sales" for the prize increase.

"Large jackpots generate excitement around the state and translate into increased sales, which is great for the Georgia Lottery-funded HOPE Scholarship and pre-K programs," she said in an email.

This is a record high amount for the lottery game since it began in Georgia in 2010. The bigger jackpot increased the amount of tickets sold Friday at the Texaco gas station on Dawsonville Highway.

"People have more interest to buy," said Yogi Modi, station manager.

He said Powerball tickets sold more than Mega Millions because of the bigger jackpot. Recently, bigger jackpot prizes have been offered.

"The Powerball game was enhanced to offer bigger starting jackpots, better odds of winning and more millionaires" Reddick said. "Powerball starting jackpots have doubled from $20 million to $40 million and will grow faster. The game's second prize increased from $200,000 to $1 million, and to $2 million with the Power Play option."

Ticket prices increased from $1 to $2 per play to boost the prize money and improve the odds. You can also pay an additional $1 per play to add the Power Play option.
Modi said the big lottery buzz has increased ticket sales at his gas station.

"It sells more now," he said. "Everybody's buying Powerball."

Proceeds from all of the Georgia Lottery games go toward education in Georgia.

"The enhancements to Powerball are one of the many ways we are working to increase profits for lottery-funded HOPE Scholarships and pre-K," Reddick said. "It is important that we keep our product mix fresh and exciting, and provide players with a variety of options."
Drawings take place at 11 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday.