JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – The Powerball jackpot has climbed to $1.7 billion on Christmas Eve after no tickets matched all six numbers in Monday night\u2019s drawing.<\/p>\n
Powerball hopefuls crowded gas stations and convenience stores Wednesday, hoping the holiday season would bring a lucky break as the jackpot nears the $2 billion mark.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m excited, not nervous. I mean, it\u2019s only a few dollars, but if I win, it\u2019d be awesome,\u201d said Aja Vonreichenbach, a Powerball player.<\/p>\n
Others felt compelled to test their luck as the number rises.<\/p>\n
\u201cSomething called me to stop here today,\u201d said Victor Case, another Powerball player.<\/p>\n
At $1.7 billion, this jackpot is the fourth largest in Powerball history. Some people said they hope to win, so they can give back to the community and those who need it most.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d donate a lot of the money and pass it along,\u201d said Greg Cribb. \u201cThere will be some happy people in our lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
George Hargrove said he would help his family and the homeless.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d take care of my family – six or seven grandkids – plus a lot of brothers and sisters I\u2019d help out,\u201d Hargrove said. \u201cI would also try to do something for the homeless. That\u2019s the biggest thing, the homeless vets in Jacksonville.\u201d<\/p>\n
The jackpot grew after someone won $1.79 billion in September. In-store purchases in North Carolina end at 9:59 p.m. and online purchases end at 9:57 p.m.<\/p>\n
Tonight\u2019s drawing is not expected to be affected by the holiday, according to a Powerball spokesperson. <\/p>\n
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in over 292 million. <\/p>\n
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