You can't win if you don't play.

That's the mentality of hundreds of people from the Mahoning Valley as they rounded up tickets for Friday night's Mega Millions drawing. The jackpot is up to $1.2 billion.

"It's been a slow steady flow of people," said John Colla, Owner of Colla's Market in Austintown. "They [customers] started out playing $2, $4, and $6. Now, they're up to tens and twenties on the Mega Millions."

The $1.2 billion jackpot would be the fifth biggest in Mega Millions history if a ticket matches the winning numbers. 

Only three Mega Millions jackpots have been won this year, making 2024 the fewest in any year. A ticket's odds of winning is 1 in 302,575,350.

Colla's in Austintown was packed with people looking to test their luck this week. 21 News asked lottery players what they would spend the money on.

"I'd help the kids out," said David Haught of Austintown. "I'd donate some to the church and make sure all my bills are paid."

"I got a lot of kids and a lot of grandkids," said Joe Stefanec of Austintown. 

"We're going to take care of some family members," explained John Popio of Austintown. "We'll take care of the community, and have some good times."

Up at Penn Ohio Lottery in Masury/ Sharon, employees told 21 News sales always peak when word gets out about a high jackpot. Lottery players like Rosalyn Wilder of Farrell would also give to others if they won.

"I would like to donate to Ghana," she said. "I see the children that are in need of water, supplies, and clothes and i just want to be a help. Plus, my five grandchildren. I would definitely buy them homes."

"Traffic definitely picks up around this time," said Sami Mcanany, Employee at Penn Ohio Lottery. "We have a lot of new players who want to understand the game. Our regulars come in and ask us what the big drawing is on any given day. That's why we have to be on top of it as employees."

With both Colla's and Penn Ohio Lottery selling several winning tickets in recent years-, it could be yet another win for someone local.

"Just go play for fun," Wilder said. "You're not going to lose anything. We spend more money on McDonald's than $3," she laughed. 

The last winner of the jackpot took home $810 million before taxes this past September in Texas.

The Friday, December 27 Mega Millions drawing will take place at 11 p.m.