Powerball players both experienced and inexperienced alike are rushing to purchase tickets in advance of Saturday night’s drawing since the jackpot has reportedly risen to an expected record high of $1.6 billion.
Sisters Christy Bemis and Cherrie Spencer were among the dozens of weekend shoppers at Woodman’s Markets in Madison who paid for their groceries and filled their trolleys before getting in line at the lottery booth to get their chance at the win.
They said that although they almost ever purchase lottery tickets, the enormity of the prize persuaded them to do so.
Spencer asserted, “My $2 has just as good a chance of winning as everyone else’s $2.”
One of the busiest locations of the store was the counter, which was so crowded that staff members had to set up stanchions to direct the line. Jim Olson, 78, was purchasing Quick Picks, a set of Powerball numbers that were chosen at random, like the majority of the gamblers in line, although he doesn’t always.
Olson said that “almost since they started,” he has routinely purchased a Powerball ticket once for each drawing. When he chooses his own numbers, he does it without rhyme or reason: “They simply come to you. I’m at a loss for words.
greatest victory to date for Olson? About 20 years ago, he added, $300 was.
It emphasizes the absurdly low likelihood of winning the prize, which is around 1 in 292.2 million.
Even so, individuals have been traveling across state borders to play for a chance to win $782.4 million (the cash option’s worth before taxes). The vast majority of jackpot winners choose cash payouts, but some financial experts believe annuities, which are paid out over a 30-year period, would be a better alternative.
Bemis stated she would “purchase a home up north” if she won the lottery. anywhere near a lake.
On a Saturday morning, Djuan Davis was working the lottery counter at Pick ‘n Save across town, accepting payments and dispensing tickets. Saturdays often see a lot of sales, he added.
The jackpot set a record, and business has increased. Online ticket sales by players have increased recently, according to Davis.
Davis would inquire about how he might assist people as they approached the counter. Powerball tickets were the nearly unanimous response.
Every time, Davis remarked, “that one.”
Arpad Jakab had never purchased Powerball tickets before. The retired utility worker Jakab said he probably wouldn’t buy Quick Pick tickets again unless there was another record prize since Davis sold him four of them.
Jakab said, “It was simply incredibly high.” Could as well join the insane crowd.
