The Powerball drawing has captured the attention of ticket buyers in Metro Detroit as they eagerly anticipate a staggering estimated jackpot of $1.8 billion. This remarkable amount translates to an extraordinary spending power of approximately $826.4 million. The current jackpot ranks as the second-highest in history, trailing only the record-setting $2.04 billion ticket sold in November 2022 in Altadena, California. The highly anticipated drawing is scheduled for Saturday night.
Eddie Hesano, the owner of Eddie’s Walled Lake Liquor, expressed his excitement, exclaiming, “I feel like tomorrow is going to get crazy.” This sentiment was echoed by Garry Curlee, an 84-year-old retired machinist from Clawson, who humorously declared his intention to become a billionaire after purchasing his ticket at a local deli. “I’m going to hide from all the people who want part of it,” he quipped when asked how he would spend his potential winnings.
In Michigan, approximately 10,000 retailers are selling lottery tickets, and for each dollar spent, up to 27 cents is allocated to the state lottery’s school aid fund, according to Jake Harris, a spokesperson for the Michigan Lottery. This week has already seen two significant Powerball prize winners in Metro Detroit. A player won $1 million from a ticket purchased at a CVS Pharmacy on East Warren Avenue in Grosse Pointe, followed by another $1 million winner at Sunkiss Market on Puritan Street in Detroit, which was doubled to $2 million thanks to the Power Play option.
As the jackpot reaches epic proportions, “jackpot fever” has taken hold in the community. Aven Zebari, owner of Main Street Liquor in Clawson, remarked on the increased excitement, noting that once the jackpot exceeded $750 million, ticket sales surged. “It’s crazy. People who never played the lottery here are now playing the lottery. It brings everybody out,” he observed. Zebari stated that when the jackpot crosses the $1 billion mark, he typically sees a 30% increase in customers purchasing tickets.
The phenomenon of “office pools” is also prevalent, with coworkers teaming up to buy tickets collectively. Wixom Liquor owner Mark Garmo emphasized the importance of participating, advising, “You don’t want to be the person that’s left out at the office if they happen to win.” He mentioned that ticket sales significantly rise when the jackpot surpasses $1 billion, as many first-time players emerge in droves.
Zebari expressed hope that the growing jackpot would remain unclaimed, allowing it to increase further. “It would be kind of cool if someone from Michigan hits it,” he said, referring to the recent winners in Detroit and Grosse Pointe while indicating a desire for local victory over players from other states.
Ramy Kizy, owner of Palace Liquor & Deli, has noticed an unprecedented uptick in lottery ticket purchases, describing the current environment as “outrageous.” There has been a noticeable increase in patrons forming groups to buy tickets together. “You’re seeing people you don’t normally see buying tickets,” Kizy said, emphasizing that this surge is the highest he’s witnessed in his four years of business.
Ken Herteg, a 70-year-old retired engineer from Clawson, shared his optimism after purchasing tickets at Kizy’s store. He expressed his intentions to support his three sons if he wins and relished the thrill of the game, stating, “You can’t win if you don’t play.” With excitement building leading up to the drawing, the community looks forward to the chance that one of their own could land a life-changing fortune this weekend.
