Mega Millions Jackpot Now $330 Million
BOSTON (CBS) – Lightening almost struck at this corner store in Boston's Brighton neighborhood.
Lottery officials and store owners confirm a regular customer at the Palace Spa on Washington Street missed Friday nights' massive jackpot by one number.
The store manager says the man still won $10,000, but….
At lottery headquarters in Braintree there was no sign of the five people who nearly hit it big at corner stores in Brighton, Arlington, Sturbridge, Chicopee and Douglas.
WBZ's Joe Shortsleeve reports.
But there were plenty of winners picking up big checks following the holiday weekend.
Scott Herbert, a father of two from Agawam, hit a scratch ticket for $1 million.
Will he spend any of the winnings on mega millions? "Yes we play Mega Millions too. So I would like to see what our chances are with that."
And he has plenty to spend if he wants. He chose the lump sum and left with a check for $455,000.
But not everyone was in the gambling mood.
Maryanne Bereznowski of Brockton was there picking up a winning $2,000 check.
When asked if she was going to be playing the mega millions for tomorrow night?
Her response a flat and definite ….. "No!"
How come?
As she put it…"I ain't giving it back!"
The lottery may not have Maryanne's money, but sales are exploding. Lottery Executive Director Mark Cavanaugh says that means millions for cities and towns which get 20 percent of every dollar spent.
"We have re-set the jack pot amount from $290 million to $330 million for Tuesday nights' drawing. That will make it the seventh largest jackpot in the history of the country."
Lottery officials say by the time the Mega Millions drawing is held Tuesday, a little more than 50 percent of all possible combinations will be covered.
That means it is possible there could be another drawing Friday.
Whoever wins the jackpot will join an exclusive and lucky club. There have only been 10 Mega Millions and Power Ball jackpots to surpass the $300 million mark.
Chances of winning are 1 in 176 million.
