With $1.8B Powerball at stake, Austin residents share win-it-big plans

Some people in Austin played the lottery when the jackpot hit $1.8 billion on Christmas Eve, making it one of the biggest wins in U.S. history. Others said they were happy to wait it out. As the prize soared to $1.8 billion, a Powerball ticket could have been the ideal Christmas Eve gift. Long lines formed at convenience stores across the country. When asked how they would spend the winnings, people in Austin gave a mix of hopeful, cautious, and thoughtful answers.

Kyle McCullough was one of the people who played. He said that he got six tickets for himself and his family at a Shell gas station near Burnet Road and Steck Avenue.

McCullough told her, "I think you would want to, you know, take care of your friends and family." "I would really like to get a mountain house." I think it would be really cool to have a quiet place where you could be.

This article was first reported by KVUE, who also talked to people who live near the Lights on 37th Street, which is a famous holiday event in Austin that draws many people every December.

Thomas "Mr. Ed" Schulz said he was already making plans to win, describing a plan that would focus on structure and giving back to the community.

"We are going to title it." We are going to establish a limited liability company (LLC). Schulz said, "We are going to set up trusts and then build hospitals."

It was not everyone who was excited about Powerball. Eric Fricke and his parents were walking through the neighborhood at night. Eric said that he does not usually buy lotto tickets.

Fricke said, "Just kind of used to not playing it really." "Sometimes a few coworkers push me to try it, so maybe I will give in when it gets even bigger, but I do not know."

Others did not understand the value of receiving such a large sum of money. She said she already felt rich in ways that money could not buy.

"What would you do with that much cash?" "I think that is crazy," Meyer said. "Aside from helping other people, I do not see how anyone could use or want that."

Another thing she said was that her Christmas wish had nothing to do with numbers.

"I am with my friends." I am lucky. "My health is good," Meyer said. "Merry Christmas to everyone! Oh, I wish I had won the lottery. Instead, I wish everyone would be kind to each other."

There was a lot of excitement across the country in the Christmas Eve drawing because billions of dollars were at stake, and the odds are still very low—about 1 in 292 million—no matter how big the jackpot is.