Chicagoans Have Lotto Fever As Powerball Reaches $245M
CHICAGO (WBBM) - Lotto machines across Illinois are on overdrive as Chicagoans plunk down their money in hopes of being the big Powerball Jackpot winner.
"If I win, I plan to retire and then give back," said lottery player Joanne.
Clerk Matthew Thomas says the lotto machines haven't stopped.
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"Our sales have increased, everyone wants to buy a Powerball ticket."I feel lucky, though. I think we're going to sell the winning ticket here," said Thomas.
The last time the jackpot climbed over $200 million was in August. A single ticket in Minnesota won that on Aug. 10.
This current Powerball jackpot has been rolling over since the Sept. 11 drawing.
"I picked my own numbers this year. My girlfriend's birthday, my birthday. I only play when the jackpot gets this big," said Kevin Aubin.
The odds of winning the grand prize are about 1 in 195,249,054.
If no one matches the numbers drawn Wednesday, the jackpot will jump to near $300 million, making it in the top five jackpots in Powerball history.
Indiana leads the nation in Powerball winners with 38.
Powerball is offered in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and 41 other states.
