Race for Powerball tickets

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - With just hours left, and at least $2 to spare, Americans are rushing out to buy a Powerball ticket.

Right now, the jackpot is up to a record-breaking half-a-billion dollars. This year's Powerball is now the second highest jackpot in lottery history, behind the $656 million Mega Millions prize in March, 2012.

"I just don't want to miss out on the opportunity. I mean, it's so much money. I always said, 'I should just try one year to buy a ticket every time to see if I win'. But you know, the odds are really not in my favor", said Joseph Cofone of Belchertown.

The chances of winning are one in 175 million. To put this into perspective, you actually have a better chance at becoming an astronaut, being elected President, winning an Academy Award, or being struck by lightning--several times!

But that isn't stopping players from dreaming about what they'd do if they had the golden ticket.

Christine Amo of Chicopee told 22News that, if she wins, she would immediately get a lawyer, pay-off her house, help out her family financially, then donate to some charitable organizations.

"I definitely would invest just to keep the money coming in...that's the best thing to do because I want to make sure my kids, grandkids, and other family members are taken care of as the years go on", said Chris Walker of West Springfield.

Lottery officials say that a billion more tickets will be sold before the winning numbers are drawn on Wednesday night. But if by chance there is no winner, expect higher stakes and longer lines this weekend to buy more tickets.

We'll air the winning Powerball combination for you on 22News at 11 PM.