New Mexicans hope to win Mega Millions

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The line is growing at M&T Mini Mart in Albuquerque, and so is the jackpot. With Tuesday night’s Mega Millions drawing reaching over $900 million, hope is high, and ticket sales are booming.

“They’re meticulous with the way they do their lottery, right?” said Ashlee Weiss, co-owner of the M&T Mini Mart. “So, everyone has their own way to do things, and a lot of people are specific to a store. They feel like they win better at that store, they get better luck at that store, and luckily we’ve become that store for quite a few people.”

M&T Mini Mart Owner, Teresa Thompson, says he’s been selling hundreds of tickets a day, and it hasn’t slowed down.

“[It’s been] much busier,” said Thompson. “People buy tickets. If they win, then they use their winnings to buy more tickets, and it’s just like a big cycle.”

Players like Hazel and her dad say, even with the odds stacked against them, it’s about the dream. She says she’s her dad’s good luck charm.

“My dad wanted me to pick some lottos because the last time I did, he won $30,” she said.

Tickets are on sale until the drawing at 9 p.m. Tuesday night, then it’s all up to luck. If you haven’t bought one yet, you’re not alone. Lines like this one are expected right up to the drawing.

Whether it’s a dream, a dollar, or a long shot — this gas station says they’ll be ready to print hope until the very last minute.

“It spurs a lot of imagination when it gets this big,” said Wendy Ahlm, New Mexico Lottery director of Advertisement and Marketing. “People start thinking about what they could do, what they would do differently, what they might, you know, gift their friends or their family, or what kind of lifestyle they would have.”