Yes, on May 5, 2000, the jackpot rolled from 230 million to 363 million for the May 9 draw.
The cash value of the jackpot is directly related to the amount of sales and the number of lower tier prizes won. The advertised jackpot (that is, the jackpot payed out over 26 years) is direectly related to the cash value and the current interest rates.
Two years ago, interest rates were higher and therefore the advertised (annuity) jackpots were larger in relation to the cash value than they are today.
Two years ago, it took 19 draws to reach 363 million. This year it took 20 draws to reach 300 million.
Another thing to consider is that the estimated 230 million from two years was only an estimate. Since it was not won, they did not publish what value it really reached. It may have been anywhere from 220 to 240 million. I notice they do not advertise the actual jackpot value reached even when they are won. They stick to the round numbers they estimated unlike the Powerball draw. The 363 million figure was an exception because of all the publicity it generated.
I predict that the jackpot will reach 330 million by draw time.
Good luck, Lionel
