‘Move to an island’: Excitement builds among Wisconsin lottery players as jackpots top $1B

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) — People across the country are hoping to win big as the Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots top $1 billion.

One local store, Maas Petro Mart in West Allis, says sales are soaring.

“Our sales are jumping through the roof,” Manager Kelly Turcotte said.

The Mega Millions jackpot is now at $615 million. The Mega Millions was last won in Racine on September 15, 2020 with a prize of $120 million. The winning ticket will be drawn at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, January 12.

Paul Smith told CBS 58 if he won, he’s set his sights on a new home.

“I’d try to find an island and move to an island where it’s warm,” he said.

It’s been nearly two years since the two national lottery games offered such large prizes. The Powerball, now up to $550 million, will be drawn on Wednesday, January 13.

Smith put $80 down on tickets and plans to give them to family members.

Tim Moker said he plays the lottery every week.

“I’m very excited,” Moker said.

If he won, he said he’d first help others by buying hotels and turning them into assisted living facilities. Then, he said he would do something for himself.

“I want to build a nice log cabin on the river,” he said.

A West Allis man won the Powerball jackpot in 2019. He bought the winning ticket in New Berlin.