Filipinos have lottery fever
IRVINE—Filipino-American Rich Narido usually doesn’t play the lottery, but when told how much the jackpot was he immediately made it a point to visit a store to buy a ticket.
“I never play the lotto but I’m going to buy 10,” said the 33-year-old from the Bay Area.
With no one matching all six numbers in Tuesday’s draw, the Mega Millions jackpot has reached a historic high.
According to the California Lottery website, the jackpot reached $640 million with an option for a cash lump sum payment of $460 million.
It seems everyone, even those who’ve never played the lottery before like Narido, are getting in on the action. On Tuesday, there were reports of people waiting hours in line in certain “lucky” retail stores (stores whose machines have previously picked the correct numbers). The chances of winning is 1 in 176 million but the rewards are too great and won’t deter many from playing.
John Saludes, a 34-year-old from Eagle Rock, said he plans on buying $20 worth of lottery tickets. If he wins the Mega Millions jackpot, he said he plans on following his favorite team the Los Angeles Lakers for a year and write a blog detailing his experience.
Article continues after this advertisement“I think for one year, I’d want to know what it would feel like to be a Laker,” he said. “I’ll buy season tickets and go to every road game, and even stay in the same hotels. That would be a dream come true.”
Article continues after this advertisement“And of course, I’ll buy my mom a house, and take care of my niece and nephew’s college education.”
The largest Mega Millions jackpot ever won was $390 million in March 2007, with a cash option of $233 million.
With such a large payout, officials from the CA Lottery issued a word of caution: people should not get too overzealous.
“As jackpots rise, the California Lottery would like to remind players that gambling should be fun,” said officials from the CA Lottery in a statement. “Borrowing money to play, spending above a person’s budget or using money intended for other purposes can ultimately lead to significant problems for players and their families.” Joseph Pimentel/AJPress
