New Yorkers are feverishly picking up Powerball tickets for their chance at becoming the next Richie Rich –as the drawing soared to an estimated $1 billion Saturday.
A man in Astoria scooped up what he hopes is the lucky winning ticket for the massive prize, which would be the sixth largest jackpot in the drawing’s history.
“Of course I am [playing] — $3 and a dream,” said the man, who gave his name as Mark and who was one of hundreds buying tickets Saturday.
“I don’t even need the full billion, just $100 million and I’d be happy.”
When asked what he’d do with the cash, Mark revealed his dreams to “buy a boat, buy some people some houses, probably some charity.”
The lucky winner would take home a lump sum of $453.1 million, before taxes, or the full $1 billion in annuity payments, which start at $4.5 million and increase by 5% each year to $18.7 million over the next three decades.
At nearby bodega Smart Choice, owner Monte Ali sold 150 tickets within the first five hours of the shop opening.
A dozen people lined up in just 10 minutes while The Post visited.
“It’s much busier than usual for sure,” Ali said between customers.
“Everyone who has come in today has bought one. I’m basically making them, because they might as well, it’s a billion dollars.”
The largest Powerball jackpot on record was $2.04 billion, won by Edwin Castro in November 2022.
Rosalba from Astoria says she normally doesn’t play Powerball because the odds are so low, but decided to play today because of all the buzz. Before getting a Powerball ticket, she played a few other games at Smart Choice.
“If I win, I’m going to enjoy myself and I’m going to help people.”
Another customer said he hadn’t considered what he would do if he won.
“Probably a private island. I mean it’s a billion dollars right? Might as well,” said Matt.
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