Bay Area residents flock to 'lucky' stores in hopes of winning $1.5 billion Powerball

Byby Elissa Harrington KGO logo
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
'Lucky' Bay Area stores popular for Powerball tickets
Residents from the Bay Area and beyond are flocking to 'lucky' stores in the hopes of winning the $1.5 billion Powerball jackpot.

The estimated Powerball jackpot is still $1.5 billion, which makes it the largest in the world. The possibility of winning and turning into an instant billionaire overnight has everyone dreaming.

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"I got a big family, there's a lot I could do with it," said Richmond resident Josh Miles. "And I'm playing $300 so I'm going to try to be the one to win it."

Customers at Kavanaugh Liquors in San Lorenzo waited in the rain for the store to open. It's one of the luckiest retailers in the state of California, known for making millionaires. Click here for a look at the other 'lucky' retailers.

"I hope it's my lucky day," said Miles.

At Perry's Liquors in Union City, tickets have been selling like crazy. Last Wednesday, a Powerball ticket sold there matched 5 of the 6 numbers for a $1.4 million prize.

"I plan to get the big one this week," said Union City resident George Garcia. When asked if he thought lightning could strike twice, Garcia said, "Of course, why not?"

Fellow Union City resident Priscilla Cabudol thinks this is the lucky store, "Oh yeah sure. I'll be coming back tomorrow to claim my prize!"

Owner Prakash Vora says he called in friends to help with the expected crush of customers.

"Last week on one day we sold $50,000 tickets, in one day!" he said.

The odds of winning are pretty lousy -- about 1 into 292 million.

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Lotto officials say more than 85 percent of possible number combinations have been selected and they're forecasting an 85 percent chance of a winner being chosen tonight.

The $1.5 billion prize would be paid in annual payments over 29 years or the winner could opt for a lump-sum payment of $930 million.

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If no one wins the jackpot, the estimated jackpot for Saturday's drawing will increase to $2 billion, with a cash value of $1.24 billion.

To get Wednesday night's numbers the moment they're drawn, download the ABC7 News App. Make sure you enable push notifications for immediate notifications!

Click here for full coverage on Powerball fever.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.