Mega Millions: There's A 1 In 302 Million Chance Of Becoming Stinking Rich On Tuesday Night
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- You won't have to worry about the stock market struggles if you hit one of the two big lottery jackpots up for grabs this week.
The record $1.6 billion Mega Millions drawing is Tuesday night.
The Mega Millions jackpot is the largest in history and it has brought out some real characters hoping to get some of the winnings. Some of them consider themselves lotto novices. Others told CBS2's Janelle Burrell they play every day.
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They all lined up so they didn't miss out.
"Ralph Pennsylvania" of Staten Island was among the first to walk into the lotto office when it opened Tuesday morning.
"I've been ready since 1967 and I'm 67 years old. It's about time," Pennsylvania said.
After he bought his Mega Millions tickets inside, he said he gave the lotto employees a head's up about what to expect when he returns after his numbers are picked Tuesday night.
"Prepare them for tomorrow. I'll come with my Cadillac and my armed guard licensed to carry fire arms, and i'm gonna take my money," he said.
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He's a lotto regular, but the ballooning jackpots for the Mega Millions and Powerball (estimated $620 million jackpot, drawing Wednesday) have people who never play handing over cash so they don't miss out.
"I don't (play), but since it's a billion let's give it a try," said Sonam Dickey of Queens.
Because they don't have regular numbers, their strategies vary.
"I try to go with my kids' birthdays, today date, the year," said Chanel Boodie of Brooklyn.
"I did a quick pick," another woman added.
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With odds of wining at 1 in 302 million for Mega Millions and 1 in 292 million for Powerball, some just said they hope someone from the Tri-State Area wins.
"It's always in California somewhere, so hopefully this time, it'll be me," a woman said.
In fact, two of the biggest jackpot winners have been in California. New Jersey has two in the top 10 as well, but the largest -- $656 million in 2012 -- was shared between three states -- Kansas, Illinois and Maryland.
Still Ralph Pennsylvania said it doesn't matter what the statistics say. He's convinced he's going to win.
"Pray to God I'll live another 60 years to spend that money," Ralph said. "Tomorrow, when I win, don't come looking for me."