Mega Millions jackpot reaches $1 billion: Philly residents ready to win
PHILADELPHIA - Santa and his elves may not be the only ones delivering gifts this Christmas Eve. There’s extra holiday magic in the air with the Mega Millions jackpot at one billion dollars.
FOX 29's Cheyenne Corin spoke to some who were feeling lucky.
"That's a lot of money, that's life-changing money," said Latisha McKnight, Philadelphia.
First-time lottery player Richard Crites is in town from Florida for the holiday and says if he wins the jackpot, he hopes to buy a new house.
"My father is home, and I came here to see him for Christmas, and I'd love to have him come and live with me," said Richard Crites, Orlando, Florida.
This massive Mega Millions jackpot is the seventh largest in the game's history.
If someone’s ticket hits, it would be the largest prize ever won in December and only the second time someone won the jackpot on Christmas Eve.
Luck is in the local air after someone from New Jersey finally claimed their 1.13 billion dollar Mega Millions jackpot that they won in March.
$1.13 billion Mega Millions jackpot claimed by NJ resident: Will they stay anonymous?
The lucky winner has finally come forward to claim a huge lottery prize nearly nine months after the winning ticket was drawn.
"If I won, I want to help somebody. I would give half of it away, not to family, but people I don't know," said McKnight.
The cash value of the jackpot is around 448 million dollars, and the chances of winning are one in 300 million.
"I just hope I win. I hope somebody wins here so they can share with somebody and don't be stingy. It's a time for giving. Don't be stingy if you do win, share with somebody else," said McKnight.