FRANKLIN, Idaho (ABC 4 News) – It’s the world’s largest Mega Millions Jackpot, and many want a piece of it. ABC 4 News caught up with Utahns who drove out of state to get their lottery tickets.
Within the picturesque mountains of Idaho is the small farming community of Franklin with a population size of 641. Today, it came alive with Utahns flocking in by the dozens to take part in the lotto craze. “Well I want a part of it as does everybody else,” said Andrea Carter from Roy, Utah.
The Mega Millions jackpot keeps growing and growing. Weeks have passed and yet no one has hit all five winning numbers. The jackpot stands at 476 million dollars. That’s a record. It’s a chance these people don’t want to pass up. “Probably about 20 bucks worth of Powerball. Doing a few scratchers just for fun,” said Chris Hampton from Logan, Utah.
The register has been ringing non-stop since the ‘La Tienda’ convenience store opened. Hampton has been here before. He’s never seen this place so full. “There’s a lot more than I expected. My friends and I come all the time and a lot of these people are from Utah,” he said.
That’s one big reason why this store is considered the home of the Utah lottery. Whether these players win or not, in the end it’s about the thrill. “That’s great, everyone has a chance to win this,” said Hazel Rodriguez from Logan.
