Workplace Powerball pools increase with the jackpot

GREEN BAY - The Powerball jackpot has topped $500 million, and that excitement grows even bigger with folks at work. After all, you don't want to be the one who has to go to work the next day.

As the jackpot goes up, more dollars come in.

Filling the envelopes in Green Bay area offices from public relations firms, to trucking companies and even our own FOX 11 newsroom.

“We have about 19 people signed up,” said Cole Buergi, vice president of business development for PR firm Leonard and Finco.

"We collect every week whether it's a big or small amount,” said Nancy Mertens, the cashier and receptionist at Kenworth Wisconsin Trucking.

Though the chances of your office pool winning are one in 175 million, here are some tips in case you do hit the jackpot.

"If you get lucky enough to win, the thing you need to do when they start collecting the funds is to photocopy all of the tickets bought through the office pool, along with a list of everybody that's participating. You want their first and last names in case people have similar first names within an office,” said Buergi.

Buergi says when big bucks are involved even the best coworker relationships can sour.

"It can bring hard feelings and some lawsuits can happen,” said Buergi.

So having plans in place for if you win or lose can help calm disputes.

"There needs to be an understanding of what you're going to do with those dollars. What you'll do for the next drawing's tickets and make sure everybody’s name is still on it,” said Buergi.

Of course, coworkers have been bantering on what they'll use their winnings for.

Some dream practically.

"Probably put it away for my daughter's education. One less thing you'll have to worry about down the road,” said Mertens.

Others say they'd be on a permanent vacation.

"I’d be retiring, most likely,” said Buergi, with a laugh.

All who have bought into office pools say while they'll have to split the cash, it would be great to share the joy of winning with friends.

Experts say statistically, there's a 60 percent chance the winner could be drawn Wednesday night.