Southern California Store Dubbed Lucky Spot Ahead of $850M Powerball Jackpot
The Powerball jackpot has climbed once again, and one Southern California store is gaining attention as a hotspot for hopeful winners.
After no one matched all six numbers in Monday night’s drawing, the jackpot surged to an eye-popping $850 million for Wednesday night’s pull. According to Powerball officials, the cash option sits at an estimated $383.7 million, making it one of the largest jackpots in recent months.
While the winning ticket could come from anywhere in the U.S., lottery enthusiasts in Los Angeles often flock to one particular store: Blue Bird Liquor in Hawthorne. For decades, this small convenience store on Hawthorne Boulevard has built a reputation as a “lucky” location for lotto players.
The man behind the counter, Ronald, has worked at Blue Bird for over 30 years. He told KTLA that the energy inside the store is hard to miss, especially on drawing days.
“People come in here and believe in the good luck,” Ronald said. “Yesterday was busy, today will be even bigger since the drawing is tonight.”
Many customers perform a quirky ritual before buying their tickets – rubbing the blue bird statue by the register. Ronald says it’s all part of the experience that makes his store a “legendary lotto landmark.”
Interestingly, Ronald himself plans to buy a ticket for Wednesday night’s draw. Unlike many who dream of retiring immediately, his plans are more grounded.
“First of all, I would help a lot of people who need it, and then of course my family,” he said. “But I’d still work at Blue Bird Liquor. I love my job.”
Lottery fever has spread so widely that even reporters covering the buzz are getting in on the action. KTLA’s Omar Lewis, who spoke with Ronald, purchased his own set of tickets. Ronald blessed the slips with a quick prayer and even a kiss – small gestures that loyal customers believe may increase their chances.
The next Powerball drawing takes place Wednesday at 7:59 p.m. PDT, with drawings held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Whether or not Blue Bird Liquor will once again sell a winning ticket remains to be seen, but regulars swear by its lucky charm.
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