COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Lines were full Friday before the historic Mega Millions drawing on Channel 2 at 11:00 pm.
The jackpot hit $1.22 billion. That’s the fifth largest in the game’s history, according to the lottery company.
“Once it gets really high, that’s when I buy a ticket,” said James Cowans.
Cowans stopped into a gas station in Mableton considered lucky to many. It’s called Heby’s.
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Keillah Spell was also in line there. She said it was enough to get her out of the house during her holiday break.
“I jumped out of the bed and came to get a ticket,” said Spell.
The last time the jackpot came close to getting this high was March 2023. A winner just claimed that billion-dollar jackpot this past week.
“I would not tell anybody I won. I would pack up, move, change my numbers,” laughed Spell.
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Customers said this is the type of jackpot that reels them in with big dreams and money in their hands. That’s what Mega Millions likes to see for business. So, the company is raising ticket prices from $2 to $5 beginning in April. Plus, the lottery giant said it could increase your odds of winning.
“I think the payoff would be worth it,” said Spell.
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The lottery also funds Georgia’s Pre-K program, allowing more than 80,000 children in all 159 counties to enroll. The game also funds the state’s Hope Scholarship.
Last school year, more than 178,000 students attended colleges with that money.
You can always watch the Mega Millions drawing right before WSB-Tonight, live on Channel 2
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