Powerball surges past $200 million

The Powerball jackpot could put a dent in the national debt.

Well, not much of one, but winning $205 million in the multi-state lottery would wipe out almost anyone's personal debt.

The jackpot passed the $200 million mark Thursday after no tickets matched Wednesday night's numbers of 19, 30,33, 46, 59 and Powerball of 27.

A single winner who chooses the cash option in Saturday night's drawing would win about $140 million, before taxes.

The jackpot for Mega Millions, the other multi-state lottery played in Georgia, is $22 million. That drawing is Friday night.

The Powerball prize has been climbing since a player in Pennsylvania won a $173 million jackpot on April 25.

The national debt, by the way, is more than $15 trillion.