Powerball fever hits Central Illinois as jackpot skyrockets

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The Powerball jackpot now sits at an estimated $1.7 billion after nobody brought home the prize Wednesday night. There has not been a winner since May 31.

The Marathon gas station and convenience store off Pershing Road in Decatur has become a hot spot to buy tickets.

"I've been made aware by the state of Illinois that I am number one in the City of Decatur and top 10 in Macon County in sales of lottery," said Amar Lotey, the owner of the station. When asked why that's the case, he said, "Because the jackpot keeps increasing, my regular customers feel like it's a lucky place."

One woman who stopped in for a quick snack decided to buy a ticket.

"[WAND News] was here and I thought it was a sign. I have four kids and lots of bills and I'm a travel nurse, so I figured, 'Hey, this must be a sign,'" said Dana Thomas.

The next drawing is Saturday night, just after 10 p.m.

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