Big jackpot attracts lottery players to Malad

What would you do if you won $500 million? That was big question for many ahead of the big Powerball drawing Wednesday.

In Malad, there were more Utah than Idaho plates, and for good reason: The prize would be the third largest in the history of the game and fifth largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history, CNN reports.

The Idaho Lottery said tickets $2, and lottery officials strongly recommend only buying what you can afford. After all, it only takes one ticket to win.

The Idaho Lottery also said you need to buy your tickets before 7:55 Wednesday night – the sooner the better. Although the wait to get a ticket at the Malad convenience store was 15 to 20 minutes Wednesday afternoon, that didn’t keep anyone away..

Some lottery players were feeling confident.

“You’ll be seeing me back here tomorrow to collect the $500 million,” said Cortney Jones. “I bought 40 tickets. Just remember this face because I’m going to win it.”

Another player said she would spread the money around if she won. She said she feels lucky because she often makes the trip from Utah to Idaho and wins on scratch lottery tickets.

“I plan on getting in my RV and going across the country and giving it to everybody,” said Bonnie Northrup. “I’m going to find people who really need it, because I realized I don’t want for anything. I’m just in it to have fun.”

Another Utahan told Local News 8 he wished Utah would participate in the lottery because of how much it benefits schools and roads.

“I wish Utah would incorporate it because I think as far as money for schools and freeways and taxes like I think it would be fantastic for Utah to incorporate this kind of lottery,” said Carlos Ledezma.

Since 1989, the Idaho Lottery has distributed $649.5 million in lottery dividends to Idaho’s public schools and the permanent building fund.