WATSONVILLE — It may be only a one in 293 million chance, but that’s not stopping many from trying their luck at winning $700 million.
Millions of people across the country were anxiously awaiting the drawing for the Powerball lottery jackpot Wednesday night. It was unknown as of press time if a winner was chosen.
East Lake Food and Liquor in Watsonville has experienced a steady flow of people over the past week purchasing lottery tickets, owner Paul Sahi said.
“I really want someone in Watsonville to win,” he said.
The business has a positive reputation among lottery hopefuls, Sahi said. In recent years, East Lake Food and Liquor has sold winning lottery tickets of $68,954, $27,000, $24,000 and other high numbers, according to Sahi.
The largest winning came about 20 years ago, $151,549.
“We have a lot of winning customers,” he said. “They are telling their friends that this is a lucky place.”
In 2016, the amount of winnings from lottery tickets sold at East Lake Food and Liquor totaled $1,173,388, a number that is displayed close to the business’ front door.
Customers have been walking through the door buying lotto tickets since the store opened for the day at 6 a.m., Sahi said, with one group of people purchasing $80 worth of tickets Wednesday.
Mario Santoyo of Watsonville visited East Lake Food and Liquor Wednesday morning to purchase lottery tickets.
“Yeah, if I won the Powerball, the first thing I would want to do is help out the poor in our community; that’s the thing I care about the most,” he said. “I play the Powerball now and again. It’s fun. I would just like to help some people in need.”
