Powerball jackpot hits $500 million

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- A dream for a couple bucks? The record Powerball jackpot is getting even bigger.

Huge ticket sales across the country are pushing the payout higher, and Powerball officials say they've boosted the jackpot for Wednesday's drawing to $500 million, from the previously posted $425 million.

• Photos: What to Buy With $425 Million

A single winner choosing the cash payout will take home $327 million before taxes.

Record jackpots encourage players who usually sit on the sidelines to play, and group purchases from work pools increase.

The jackpot is the largest ever for the Powerball game and the second largest lottery jackpot of all time, eclipsed only by the $656 million Mega Millions record set in March.