Just days before Christmas, the Powerball jackpot has surged to an estimated $1.1 billion – fueling excitement among players across New Jersey.

In Middlesex County, customers stopped by local stores Monday, hoping a $2 ticket could turn into an instant fortune.

“Oh, what would I do?” said Beverly, a Port Reading resident, when asked about the possibility of winning.

For many, the answer comes quickly – family first.

“I have four kids, and I’m married, so I’d take them on a nice vacation, pay off the house and just live my life with my family,” another person said.

The jackpot is one of the largest in U.S. lottery history. The biggest Powerball prize ever was $2.4 billion, won by a single ticket in California in 2022.

The odds of winning are about 1 in 292.2 million. Many players say it’s worth the chance.

“Just want to be in the race, just to say I at least tried,” said Stephanie, a Keyport resident.

As of Monday, the estimated cash option for the winner stands at $503.4 million.

No one has won the Powerball jackpot since Sept. 6, when two tickets sold in Missouri and Texas split a $1.787 billion prize. That marks 42 consecutive drawings without a winner.

Still, optimism remains high.

“You never know, it might be my lucky day,” Beverly said.

The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Monday night.