Poll: Record Jackpot Draws Customers

A record jackpot continued to drive Glen Covers to lottery retailers Thursday afternoon as the grand prize surpassed the $500 million mark for the Mega Millions drawing at 11 p.m. on today.

"We've had a lot of customers come in for this drawing," said James Lee of the Wine Basket on School Street, which has a sign posted outside to keep passersby updated of the last figure, currently at $640 million. 

Jackpot hopefuls were excited for Friday's drawing, and Patch set out to find what Glen Covers would do with the grand prize.

"I don't know what I'd do with it all," said Benny Moccia, a college student who works as a waiter across the street at the Downtown Cafe. "I know the jackpot is a matter of luck, but I work very hard in the restaurant and at school, and I think I'd do good with the money, help a lot of people out."

Another shopper had more specific ambitions.

"First, I'd pay off my college bills," they said. "And then I'd buy a house. Then, I'd have some thinking to do."

Shopkeepers said today should bring in plenty more Mega Millions customers as tonight's drawing approaches.

"We've had a lot of people come in for the drawing," said Tom Bellidora of Smokey's Cigar and Chocolatier on Forest Avenue. "We think that [Friday] we'll see a lot of people come in to get the last-minute tickets. We're looking forward to it."