. >> reporter: alomar you're 300 times more likely to be struck by lightning than winning tonight's powerball, that did not stop millions from lining up today to buy a chance at the $500 million jackpot. >> we sold $2.5. we have sold a $250,000. we sold a $345 million. we are a pretty lucky -- $35 million. we are a pretty lucky store, i think. >> reporter: the--math experts say it is better left to those chosen bity computer than the numbers you come up with, to do with all of that money. >> i'll probably give some to my family and to my charity. >> reporter: today's powerball frenzy spread across 44 states, d.c., the u.s. virgin islands and puerto rico with the hopeful hoping they'll have a decision to make shortly after the drawing at 11:00 eastern tonight. the full $500 mill over 30 years or cash pay-out of just over $300 million. chris clacken, nbc news. >>> it is fun to think about winning that much money. tonight at 5:00, we take a look at how locals are heading across state lines to buy their tickets and try their luck at winning millions. by the way, that drawing at 8:00 our time toni