$1.1 billion Mega Millions jackpot on the line Friday

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I., (WLNE) — A historic Mega Millions jackpot is on the line Friday night, after another winless draw Tuesday, the Mega Millions prize has now grown to an estimated $1.1 billion, the second-largest jackpot in the game’s history.

Nobody has picked all five numbers and the Mega ball correctly since April, but players at the Martins Sunoco in East Providence are feeling especially lucky because the gas station is home to the only jackpot-winning Mega Millions ticket ever sold in Rhode Island, after a father and son won a share of a $42 million jackpot, taking home $21 million in 2017.

“You won’t know until you try. Somebody might be a lucky winner. I might be a lucky winner,” Sophie Cameauvil, after buying her Mega Millions tickets.

For some though, a chance at $1.1 billion is not enough to buy the $2 ticket.

“You’ve got a better chance of getting struck by lightning,” Joseph Angell said. “Winners to losers ratio. I just kind of feel like it’s not on my side.”

For most, luck isn’t on their side, because according to Mega Millions, players have a 1 in 303 million chance of winning that billion-dollar jackpot.

“I’m not usually someone who wants to go out and try it. I feel like you’d have a better chance at the casino,” Marion Sanchez said.

Players have until 9:50 p.m. Friday to buy tickets ahead of the Mega Millions drawing at 11 p.m.