Alabama residents travel across state lines with hopes of winning Mega Millions

JACKSON CO, Fla. (WTVY) - Both the Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots have reached nearly $400 million each. With no winner after this weekend’s drawings, many are hoping their numbers will be chosen.

Convenience stations and liquor stores in Cambellton saw a steady flow of customers Monday.

“Now with the Mega and the Powerball being a little over 300 million, we’re getting a lot more people coming in,” store manager Margaret Marshall said. “The American dream to win the Florida lottery.”

The state of Alabama currently does not have a lottery, which is why some residents traveled minutes down the road to the store Marshall manages in Florida just off Highway 231 South.

The Mega Millions jackpot sits at $376 million. The Powerball is at $363 million. We caught up with people across the state line to find out what they would do with the money if they won.

“I came down to play a little lottery and that Powerball,” Dothan resident Joel Sizemore said. “Hopefully, hit that big money. If I won, I’d go ahead and pay off my bills, and the family’s and take a nice vacation.”

“I’d get me a new ride or new house or something,” Alonzo Granger said. “I’d invest in something worth it.”

The odds of winning are very slim. There is roughly a 1 in 292.2 million shot of winning the Powerball. The Mega Millions is even slimmer. You have a 1 in 302.6 million chance.

While those odds may be bleak, Sizemore is hoping for a New Year’s miracle.

“Maybe someone will hit that jackpot locally,” Sizemore said.

“I have seen big winners win here,” Marshall said. “I’ve been at this store a long time, I’m sure it would change their life.”

The next drawing for the Mega Millions is Tuesday, December 29th. The Powerball jackpot drawing is Wednesday, December 30th.

Copyright 2020 WTVY. All rights reserved.