Locals react ahead of Powerball drawing

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- After no winner Monday, the Powerball jackpot has now reached $1.4 billion.

Dara Athwal, the Downtown Cenex gas station owner, has seen an influx of customers.

"Since Powerball has been up over a billion (dollars), pretty much every person (is) buying Powerball today," Athwal said.

The odds of winning the jackpot sit at one in 292.2 million according to powerball.com.

At Missouri gas stations, the $2 price to purchase a ticket is nothing compared to when it comes to winning life-changing money.

"Life-changing money either way," St. Joseph resident Demetrius said. "You could do a lot with that, a lot of investment, you could start up your own dang business."

Demetrius said he wasn't interested in buying a ticket ahead of the drawing Wednesday, but others were hoping to boost their odds.

"I haven't bought them yet. I have been wanting to buy a couple," Lee Brelsford said. "It would be nice to win it."

Outside of the jackpot, other prizes can be won depending on the numbers on the ticket. The second-highest prize a person can win is $2 million.

This jackpot is the fourth-highest in Powerball history. The winner will have two options. They can either take an estimated $634.3 million cash or receive "one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5% each year."

"I would go on vacation," Nathan Harris said. "Take my family on vacation."

The numbers will be announced at 9:59 p.m. CST on Wednesday, Sept. 3.

"I would donate a lot of it," Brelsford said. "Help my family out and stuff."