With $1.5 billion up for grabs, people with high hopes frantically crowd stores and gas stations buying lottery tickets in hopes of winning the top prize.
Lottery tickets for the Powerball cost $2 each for a chance at the jackpot. The Powerball lottery has achieved a world record for being the highest jackpot value.
Sophomore Katie Gray said, “Though my family hasn’t bought any Powerball tickets yet, I think that lotteries are fun because even though it’s a slim chance, there’s always a possibility of winning.”
The chances of winning the grand prize for the Powerball lottery are allegedly 292.2 million to one. However, these slim odds do not stop people from getting their hopes up and purchasing tickets.
With this lottery being a record high jackpot value, people have been lured into the process of purchasing tickets and hoping for the best.
Sophomore Emma Armstrong said, “Because the jackpot value for the Powerball is extremely high, my family has been persuaded into buying tickets. We know that the odds [of us winning] are very unlikely, but simply the thought of receiving that much money led us to take a chance.”
Some people buy Powerball lottery tickets because even the slightest chance at winning exhilarates them.
English teacher Kristen Fewins said, “I recently bought a Powerball lottery ticket. The thought that I could win the lottery really excites me. If someone I know were to win the Powerball, I would be really happy for them.”
Prior to the world record breaking $1.5 billion jackpot, the previous lottery jackpot record was $656 million.
Fewins said, “If I were to win the lottery, I would set up a scholarship account for students in need of financial assistance.”
Gray said, “People should buy Powerball lottery tickets because buying a cheap ticket gives you a chance at winning a lot of money. A slim chance is better than no chance.”
