$1.22 billion Mega Millions jackpot sparks excitement across Chicago
CHICAGO - With no winners on Christmas Eve, the Mega Millions jackpot reached $1.22 billion on Friday.
If there is a lucky winner, they are expected to receive an estimated $549.7 million payout.
The drawing is scheduled for 10 p.m. Friday, with ticket sales to close at 9:45 p.m.
As one of the biggest prizes in the game’s history, excitement among players in Lake View was soaring throughout the evening.
"I would definitely be anonymous," said Adrian Weaver, who purchased a ticket Friday night.
Mega Millions players are also mapping out their potential winnings.
"I’ve always wanted to go to Tokyo, so I would love to go there. I think we’ve talked about Greece, Italy, and some other places as well," said Eddie McComas.
Illinois was one of the original nine states to sell Mega Millions tickets, according to the Illinois Lottery, so it's no surprise that players have had some practice.
"I've been playing this stuff, what, 18 years," said Ronald Noble. "Most I’ve ever won is $8."
Others look forward to receiving their numbers each December underneath the Christmas tree, including Abigail Forster, whose grandmother enjoys gifting lotto tickets.
"Three tickets is a Christmas tradition. Every time after Christmas dinner, we all scratch off our little lotto tickets," said Forster.
Meanwhile, Amy McComas and her husband, Eddie, were in town for Christmas visiting their son. They'll be driving back to North Carolina this weekend and stopped at Trio on the corner of Broadway and Irving Park Road for some gas.
"We thought we’d spend some Christmas cash and buy a few tickets," said Amy McComas.
And perhaps it's the spirit of the season that has players feeling generous—offering ideas on how they’d share the love if they get so lucky.
"I would help the homeless," said Marilyn Adler.
"Get my little siblings, get them a little money and stuff. I wouldn’t give them too much, but I’d give them a million dollars apiece if I won," said Noble.
"Any leftover money, we would probably want to donate to Illinois and North Carolina music programs for public schools," said Drew McComas.
"I would purchase a home for myself and my mom. I would buy my company that I work for, and I would just live," said Weaver.
In the New Year, Mega Millions ticket prices will jump from $2 to $5. The change will come in April, and officials say it will not only increase the jackpot, but also boost the odds of winning.
To check the lottery drawing results, follow this link.