CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Powerball ticket sales are surging in West Virginia as players buy chances to win the largest jackpot in the multistate game's history.

West Virginia Lottery Director John Musgrave says sales for Saturday's drawing topped $1 million. Lottery officials expect strong sales again for Wednesday's drawing.

Wednesday's jackpot was first posted at $425 million. It was revised upward to $500 million when brisk sales increased the payout.

Eight Powerball players in West Virginia have won jackpots. They include Jack Whittaker, who won a $314.9 million jackpot in 2002, and Randy Smith, who won a $79 million prize in 2010.