http://66.225.205.104/JR20100201a.mp3
As of this week, lottery players in the Carolinas have two major jackpot options. North and South Carolina are among 43 states that have now agreed to sell both Powerball and Mega Millions tickets. Previously only Powerball was available here. WFAE's Julie Rose reports: Up until now, states had to choose between the two major multi-state lotteries. And customers hoping for a jackpot in both had to cross state lines. At Fast & Fresh Food in Hickory, cashier Mark Patel says a lot of people were willing to drive for Mega Millions. "Some people say,'We go to Georgia cause Mega Millions' got better chances,'" says Patel. Georgia and Virginia were Mega Millions states. The Carolinas sold Powerball. And while technically it's true that Mega Millions has better odds than Powerball, the chance of winning is still 1 in 176 million. Tuesday is the first drawing for Mega Millions in the Carolinas with a jackpot starting at $12 million. North Carolina lottery officials expect to see as much as $52 million more in revenue this year, as result of selling both games. They also expect to see more winners, but smaller prizes.