MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - $320 million. The fourth largest jackpot in Powerball history is up for grabs Wednesday night. People are buying more than 2,000 tickets a minute in some states. Alabama and Mississippi are the only southern states without the lottery, but that's not stopping Mississippians from playing.
They come with tickets in hand.
"I live in Southaven," says Sherri Cox.
"Batesville," says Jessie Smith.
They're a few of those traveling from Mississippi to Memphis to play the lottery.
"A lot of people I work with live in Mississippi and do the same thing I do," says Cox.
"I just love it," laughs Mary Williams. For her, it's a regular trek. "Monday, Wednesday and Friday." She's 86-years-old and the lottery has become a passion.
"I do my own driving. I do not do housework. I do not do yard work and I do very little cooking." But her weekly gambling is a sure bet.
"We go all over Memphis," she says. Williams and a few others we met don't mind the drive.
"It's so close so it's no big deal to me," says Smith.
But there are an equal number of players who'd like to see the lottery cross the state line.
"I think it would be kind of cool," says Cox. "It definitely helps out the state."
Until and if that ever happens, they'll keep on coming, hoping the trip pays off.
"Oh, all those people in the country would disown me," Williams laughs.
The drawing is held right before ten o'clock. Sales cut off at least an hour before then.
