KNIGHTDALE, N.C. (WTVD) -- With the Powerball jackpot soaring to $1 billion, lottery fever is sweeping the country -- and gas stations in Knightdale are no exception.On Labor Day weekend, hopeful players lined up for a chance at the life-changing prize. Among them were locals like Kitty Sutherland and Phil Lebega, who said they felt lucky."I'm going to win it tonight," Kitty Sutherland told ABC11 Eyewitness News, adding why she thinks she's about to strike it rich: "Because I've bought, like, $1,000 worth before,...
KNIGHTDALE, N.C. (WTVD) -- With the Powerball jackpot soaring to $1 billion, lottery fever is sweeping the country -- and gas stations in Knightdale are no exception.
On Labor Day weekend, hopeful players lined up for a chance at the life-changing prize. Among them were locals like Kitty Sutherland and Phil Lebega, who said they felt lucky.
"I'm going to win it tonight," Kitty Sutherland told ABC11 Eyewitness News, adding why she thinks she's about to strike it rich: "Because I've bought, like, $1,000 worth before, so it's my turn."
Lebega shared her optimism, saying, "I'm ready to get rich. Been lucky the last couple of years."
For others, like Peggy Webb, the lottery is more about the fantasy. "Just so you can dream, that's all," she said.
Game officials raised the jackpot estimate to $950 million Friday morning after evaluating nationwide ticket sales, Powerball announced. The winner could choose a pre-tax cash payment of $453.1 million.
If any of these NC locals win, generosity seems to be part of the plan.
"I'm going to donate a big part of it to my charities, and then I'm going to make sure all three of my girls are taken care of," Sutherland said.
"Probably give it out to a bunch of people. Help charities," Lebega added.
Webb said she would "give away a lot of money. There's a lot of organizations that could use it otherwise. I don't know. It's a lot of money."
Woody Royster, another hopeful, said she would "share with my family, but I would keep working... just to have something to do."
Of course, everyone was asked the most important question: Would they give ABC11 reporter Sydnee Scofield and photojournalist Jeremy Baker $50 if they win?
Webb and Royster both said, "Yes," while Sutherland promised, "Sure. I'll remember you. I know you'll hit me up."
Lebega, however, may have offered the best deal, saying, "I'll give you 10,000."
Despite the slim odds, the excitement and dreaming are very real. As Sutherland put it, "It's fun, you know? Got to have a little luck once in a while."
The game has not had a jackpot winner since May 31, when a player in California claimed a $204.5 million prize. During this 39-drawing streak, the game has created 62 million-dollar winners and 608 tickets worth $50,000 or more.