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Area lottery players hopeful after Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots rise

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Between the Powerball and Mega Millions, there are more than $2 billion in jackpots.

The winning Powerball numbers were drawn on Saturday for the $470 million jackpot.

The winning Powerball numbers are:  62 16 54 57 69 -- 23.

After no one won Friday’s Mega Millions drawing, the jackpot jumped to an estimated $1.6 billion.

On Saturday, gas stations around Charlotte were busy with customers hoping to strike gold.

Clerks have told Channel 9 that since the jackpot topped $1 billion, their stores have been nonstop busy.

“We have had (long) lines down here,” clerk Alisha Smith said. “We're a pretty busy store.”

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Local retailers have been feeling the heat and their customers are hopeful.

“For once in a lifetime,” customer Roy Horton said. “Hey, you never know.”

Customer Stephan Leanza has won big in a lottery before. He said he won $30,000 10 years ago.

“Stories I've heard about people winning more than once,” he said. “I like the hope it gives me, even though I hardly ever win anything."

Other lottery players who spoke to Channel 9 said they are focused on strategy.

“I take different strategies, birthdays, sisters and brothers,” Horton said.

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