Mega Millions jackpot increases to a little over $1 billion

The Mega Millions jackpot has surpassed $1 billion for the third time in history after no one was lucky enough to draw all of the six lucky numbers. 

The largest ever jackpot in Mega Millions history hit $1.537 billion before the winning ticket was sold in South Carolina. The Powerball jackpot hit its highest amount, about $1.6 billion in 2016. The winning ticket was sold in Chino Hills. 

"It's a great feeling," said Balbir Atwal, owner of the 7-Eleven that sold the ticket. "God chose me." 

His store was given $1 million for selling the winning ticket, but since 7-Eleven is a franchise he was only given half. Atwal said he put the money straight into the bank after he shared some of it with employees and paid off some bills.

But after the news of his store selling the winning ticket, customers started to flock to his 7-Eleven with hopes that luck will rub off on them. As his ticket sales soared, so did everything else. He said his sales went up 25% as customers would also purchased snacks and drinks while picking their numbers.

"Lottery gives us a small percentage," said Atwal said. "It's tough but our gain is when people come here to play the lottery they buy soda, coffee, a sandwich."

If someone were to win after Friday's drawing and chose the cash option, the person would go home with $602.5 million before taxes.

Mega Millions spokesperson Marie Kilbane said the lottery's website experienced performance issues after 62 million people tried to visit it. 

The next drawing will be on Friday, July 22 at 8 p.m. Mega-Millions hopefuls must purchase their tickets before 7:45 p.m.