BOISE, Idaho ÔÇô Powerball is experiencing a bit of Spring Break fever on its own across the Gem State this week. Wednesday night's estimated jackpot is at $750 million, three-quarters-of-a-billion dollars. With the fourth largest jackpot in United States history, the Idaho Lottery is reminding everyone that playing responsibly benefits Idaho.

"When the jackpots reach these levels, players who do not join in every draw jump in," said Jeff Anderson, Idaho Lottery Director. "Office pools, family pools, and friends going in on tickets together become common place. What is often overlooked in the excitement is the guaranteed, real benefits to Idaho public schools and Idaho's permanent buildings."

"In the past week, Powerball alone has generated nearly $1 million in dividends for our good causes," added Anderson. "Responsible play benefits Idaho. Sign your tickets when you purchase them so you are prepared to be a big winner. And, please, only play what you can afford, don't go overboard. You only need one ticket to win."

Since beginning operations in 1989, the Idaho Lottery has provided more than $846 million to benefit the Idaho Department of Education's Public School Building Account, the Idaho Department of Education's Bond Levy Equalization Fund, and the Department of Administration's Permanent Building Fund. Of these funds, the Idaho Department of Education has received $466,587,500 with the Department of Administration's Permanent Building Fund has received $379,412,500. The Idaho Department of Education uses Lottery funds for maintenance and operational expenses. The Permanent Building Fund uses Lottery dollars for maintenance and improvement projects on buildings located on college campuses and other State-owned facilities.

The Idaho Lottery encourages all participants to buy their tickets early and not wait until the last minute before the draw.

Players have until 7:55 pm MT on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 to buy a ticket for the Powerball draw. Players will also have 180 days from the date of their draw to claim any prizes, including the jackpot prize. Idaho Lottery office hours in Boise are from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm MT, Monday through Friday.