Largest jackpot in U.S. history

HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH) --Some governors and many wishful folks have their sights set on the $640-million Mega Millions jackpot.

With one dollar, residents from 42 different states can take part in the largest jackpot in United States history.

Rob Sprague of Hamden is confident that he will win.

"We missed the one a couple days ago and fortunately, they kept it for us so we should be in better shape tonight," said Sprague.

His positive attitude is admirable, but his chances of winning are one in 176 million.  To put that in perspective, he is 50-times more likely to be struck by lightning.

"Uh, 40 bucks, yeah. Do you think yo'ure gonna win? No. But I did anyway," said Kamikka Whiting of Hamden.

She already has plans for the big winnings.

"Pay my mortage off, take a nice vacation, spoil the grandkids," said Whiting.

Sprague said he would be stress free if he won the jackpot.

"I think we're gonna buy that new house, you know, finally not have to stress about the mortgage so much, and try not to spend it all at one place," said Sprague.

Connecticut lottery officials said that Mega Millions tickets were selling at a rate of 8,506 tickets each minute. Folks who normally don't play, now want to take part in the possibility of winning the hefty jackpot.

"I don't know. Save it to buy a house someday, I need a house," said Cara Given of North Haven.

"I don't know what I would do with that much money, give a lot to charity probably, um, I really don't know," said Catherine Colagiovanni of North Haven.

Forty-two states and the District of Columbia are in the midst of Mega Millions mania right now. Some governors have been keeping a close eye on the ticket buying. The state that provides the winning ticket will be getting a significant portion in taxes. That could help balance a budget in a tight year.

Surprisingly some folks wouldn't give up their jobs, even if they were to instantly become a millionaire.

"I would not quit. I like my job, I'm a paramedic, so I love my job, so I would not quit," said Whiting.

The lump sum will pay  $347-million.