Ticket sales skyrocket as Powerball reaches record $550 million - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Ticket sales skyrocket as Powerball reaches record $550 million

Powerball fever is sweeping the nation, and ticket sales soared before Wednesday's mega million drawing.

So many people played that the jackpot rose from $500 million Tuesday to $550 million Wednesday.

Players came from all across the southeast with the dream of winning $550 million dollars in the record Powerball jackpot.

They made their way to Delta Louisiana, battling traffic to stand in line for a chance at the winning Powerball ticket.

An estimated 3,000 were in line Tuesday and at one point Wednesday more than 500 people stood in a line that reached from the register to the parking lot.

Many we spoke with said their lives would change drastically, and they would share the wealth.

But would they keep working?

Henry McAdory of Flowood was asked how his life would change if he won.

"Probably mine and my entire family, because I would definitely take care of my family as well as a number of charities...I teach, and I like teaching. Would I quit? Probably not," said McAdory.

"We didn't stand in line. We went for the quick picks to get it over with and get back to work...It'd pay off a lot of bills and make the family really happy. Would you quit your job? "No, just buy another business and keep on rolling," said Jimmy Smith of Mobile, AL.

Air conditioning business owner Natasha Johns of Terry didn't intend to get in line but couldn't pass up the opportunity.

"We were going to the outlet mall and figured we were so close we may as well come buy a ticket. It would be wonderful. I could do so much, so many great things. Would you quit your job? Absolutely," said Johns.

If a single winner is chosen Wednesday night that person could walk away with just over $360 million dollars before taxes.

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