Big Payout In 'The Other Office Pool' -- Powerball

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- March Madness basketball brackets aren't the only office pools underway this Thursday. Powerball players also are pooling their money to buy blocks of tickets for a $320 million jackpot.

That's the sixth largest annuity prize in the history of Powerball. And the cash payout of $198 million is the fourth largest.

Minnesota Lottery Director Ed Van Petten says ticket sales always jump when the Powerball jackpots rise and a lot of players pool their money.

"In fact, some of the people who do pools actually have contracts drawn up that they all sign," Van Petten said.

Powerball is played in more than 40 states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. The next drawing is Saturday night.