PowerBall Mania Grips U.S. as Jackpot Climbs to $245 Million

The nation's lottery players will have a shot at nearly $245 million on Wednesday night, as PowerBall's Saturday drawing did not net any winners.

The nearly quarter-billion dollar prize could net a solitary winner $146 million before taxes if they choose the cash option.

This weekend's winning numbers were 11, 16, 40, 51, 56 and the PowerBall was 38.

The jackpot, though it may seem astronomical, is not PowerBall's biggest prize. Eight Nebraskan co-workers got to split a $365 million sum in 2006.

The quarter-billion dollar mark has been eclipsed five times in 33-state lottery association's history. Wednesday's sum will be a new high for the 2011, after Michael Reardon and Darin Fox won $221 million on April 6.

And for those of you who can't wait until Wednesday, the other major lottery -- the MegaMillions game -- is worth an estimated $78 million before taxes, and that drawing is Tuesday night.