Feeling Lucky? Mega Millions Jackpot Now $1 Billion
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Feeling lucky?
More than $1 billion is up for grabs Friday night.
As CBS2's Jennifer McLogan reports, the competition is fierce.
Mega Millions is offered in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Who wants to be a millionaire? Nevermind that - make it a billionaire.
"One billion dollars," said Raj Mongia.
"Yes, it's getting crazy here," said Juli Mongia.
They can barely come up for air inside 7th Street Stationary.
"We're all dreamers. Nothing wrong with dreaming," one lottery ticket buyer said.
"My strategy is - pray," said another.
Praying to bring home the second largest jackpot in Mega Millions history.
"What would you do with a billion dollars?" McLogan asked.
"I'd spend it," said one woman.
"How many did you get?" McLogan asked another buyer.
"Got about 50 of them," said a student.
They cost $2 each.
"My husband just ran out to get lotto," one person said.
"I'd probably get a Lamborghini, honestly. It's my dream car," said one shopper.
"Pay off bills, pay off the house, maybe get some nice cars," said another.
"Definitely go on vacation, buy a few homes," said one.
"If I won this I would buy my kids a house each and live like a queen," said one person.
Many seemed driven by purely altruistic reasons. One person said he'd help his community, another said they'd purchase equipment for high schools,
"Enjoy it, but make a difference, a positive difference," one person said.
"I would spend the rest of my life giving it all away," another said.
"Give a lot to charity," said one.
"It would really be all about my family, to be honest," said another.
Still, everyone is having fun with these daydreams.
"If I were to win, it would definitely involve a Caribbean island somewhere," one person said.
"This looks lucky," McLogan said.
"I might win, and I'm outta here if I do!" one person said.
One couple discussed their plans:
"We would have more kids."
"No we would not."
"We would have more kids."
"No. We would buy and island. I have the final say!"
Oddsmakers say it is so improbable you will be a winner, that comparatively you are far more likely to be struck by lightning, become a saint, a movie star, an NBA player, or president of the united states.
It's only the third time in history that a lotto jackpot his hit $1 billion.
The top Mega Millions jackpot was $1.537 billion in 2018. There was one winning ticket sold in South Carolina.
You still have time to grab a ticket - the drawing is Friday night.
We'll have the winning numbers for you during CBS2 News at 11 p.m
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