The record Powerball jackpot is now even bigger.Powerball officials say they've boosted the jackpot for tonight's drawing to $550 million from the previously posted $500 million. Huge ticket sales nationally are pushing the payout higher, and here locally, many are rushing to convenience stores with money and big dreams.

This drawing means big business for lots of convenience stores. Locally, yesterday brought in up to $1,100 and today is drawing day, so more money is anticipated to come in.About 80% of players don't choose their own Powerball number, opting instead for a computer-generated one.

A winner taking the cash option would get $360.2 million before taxes. The numbers are an estimate and could be increased again as the drawing nears.

Powerball officials say they now believe there is a 75% chance that the winning combination of numbers will be drawn Wednesday night.

You can pick up tickets in 42 states, including all three states in the Ark-La-Tex.Illinois and Georgia are the first 2 states to allow lotto hopefuls to buy tickets online. Lottery officials put the odds of winning Wednesday's Powerball pot at one in 175 million, meaning you are more likely to be hit by lightening, attacked by a bear, or win an academy award.