Powerball makes its way to California

Powerball has made its way to California.

Lotto machines were busy early Monday morning as Santa Barbara residents were hoping to cash in on the $60 million jackpot.

“I used to play it when I was in another state, so yeah, I’ve heard about it. There’s a lot of states in it,” said Steward Sterling, as he held up his ticket at the 7-11 on Cliff Drive.

Now there are 43 states that play, including California.

Unlike Super Lotto or MegaMillions, a Powerball ticket will cost $2. But those $2 means a chance to win a jackpot that starts at $40 million, and it just goes up from there.

On Monday, people playing were already coming up with plans for their winnings.

“I would obviously be able to help my family, my church and lots of different things so I would definitely love it,” said Juan Manuel Gutierrez with his ticket tucked safely in his pocket.

The odds of getting all five numbers and the powerball is about 1 in 175,000,000. But that’s not stopping some from hoping and wishing.

“Absolutely, absolutely. Store owners we all want to be the ones selling that winning ticket of course,” said Matt Edick, co-owner of Fuel Depot.

The first Powerball drawing that includes California is Wednesday then again on Saturday.