Behind the scenes: How does the Powerball drawing work?

$700 million up for grabs Wednesday

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A total of $700 million is up for grabs Wednesday night in the second-largest Powerball jackpot in history.

Have you ever wondered how and where the drawing happens?

The mechanics off the Powerball happen inside a vault in Tallahassee, Florida. If you look inside the windows, you can see black blankets there, and there are more than four different Powerball machines.

One of the machines is randomly chosen and brought into the television studio. That's where the drawing happens, and with $700 million on the line, many eyes will be on the moment.

"It really is so exciting," Powerball host Laura W. Johnson said. "Really, the energy is palpable."

What happens if something goes wrong?

"There are procedures in place, so if something goes wrong, we kick those procedures right into place," Johnson said. "But we are counting on hot having any glitches at all."

Local 4 will have the winning numbers of the Powerball drawing on ClickOnDetroit.com and Local 4 News at 11.

Watch the video above for a more detailed breakdown of the process.

How much money would the winner actually take home?

After taxes, how much would the $700 million jackpot really be worth? Watch Steve Garagiola's video below for a full breakdown.


About the Authors:

Dr. McGeorge can be seen on Local 4 News helping Metro Detroiters with health concerns when he isn't helping save lives in the emergency room at Henry Ford Hospital.

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.