Mega-Millions Mania in the Valley
AUSTINTOWN, Ohio - Heavy sales have now boosted that
Mega-Millions jackpot to $425-Million. But with changes in the lottery game you may need more luck than ever to cash in on the Mega-Millions prize.
$425-Million is the second-largest jackpot in Mega-Millions history.
No one has won the top prize since October 1st, so the jackpot has increase 20-times since then.
... And with changes in the lottery game, your odds of winning go from one in 175,000,000 to one in 259,000,000.
But people are lining up more than ever in 43 states, including here at Colla's Market in Austintown, for a shot at the "Mega-Millions" prize. ... And dreaming about what 425-Million big ones could buy.
Dan Bernat says along with helping family he would, "Go on a vacation, maybe buy a condo.
A GM Lordstown work said he would not only make life easier for his Mother, but possibly retire early.
Diane Vernon of Campbell who just won $500 in a scratch off lottery game says, "Oh my God, my grandkids would be well off and go to the best colleges and everything."
While many choose to purchase a handful of tickets, other team-up to maximize their odds at winning.
Colla's Market has had 4 big lottery winners in the past, and have their own in-store raffle for customers. As many as 250 people participate according to John Colla, the Owner of Colla's Market.
"We do it twice a week, and we've won twice now $10,000. We were just one digit off one time, we all would have had about $300,000 to $400,000 each after taxes. It always pays to play in a group."
$425-Million is the largest jackpot since changes were made to the Mega-Millions game in October.
The 5-winning numbers will now have to be selected from 75 white balls, instead of 56. Making it more difficult to win. But, the bonus to revamping the game is larger jackpots, including possibly an elusive "billion" dollar jackpot one day.
Store owner John Colla says if he won he would invest it and help others, "I would just help people with it, because what are you going to do with all the money if you don't help people?"
You can watch the Mega-Millions drawing "exclusively" on 21 WFMJ, during our 11 o'clock news.