Powerball Jackpot Hits $1.6 Billion: These Berkshire Stores Have Produced Big Winners This Year

With $1.6 billion on the line Monday night, the fourth-largest Powerball jackpot in history, Berkshire County residents are wondering: where should I buy my ticket?

If you're looking for luck, one Pittsfield convenience store has proven track record.

Convenience Plus at 480 West Housatonic Street sold a $10 million scratch ticket winner to Pittsfield resident Sarah Newton in September. The store received a $50,000 bonus for the sale, and Newton became the first winner of the Massachusetts State Lottery's 200X $20 instant ticket game. -berkshireeagle.com

Could lightning strike twice at the same location?

That's what lottery players are betting on as they line up for Monday's 10:59 p.m. drawing, just three days before Christmas.

However, Convenience Plus isn't the only "lucky" spot in the Berkshires. Adams Racing Mart on Howland Avenue sold a $1 million winning ticket to Craig Raymond in February. Lenox Market 32 had a $100,000 Mass Cash winner in July. Cumberland Farms locations in Dalton and North Adams both produced $100,000 winners earlier this year.

The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million, but someone has to win eventually. The jackpot hasn't been claimed since September, when two tickets split $1.787 billion.

The estimated cash value of Monday's prize is $735.3 million before taxes. Winners can choose between a lump sum payment or an annuity spread over 30 years. Whether you're buying your ticket at a "lucky" West Housatonic convenience store or your neighborhood Cumberland Farms, the question remains the same: what would you do with $1.6 billion?

Tickets are $2 per play and are available at retailers across Massachusetts. The drawing takes place Monday night at 10:59 p.m. ET. Who knows? Maybe the next big Berkshire County lottery winner is reading this right now.