Powerball mania hits Ark-La-Tex

Powerball mania is quickly approaching a fever pitch, with customers lining up across the nation - and in the Ark-La-Tex - in hopes of making a life-changing purchase.

"They're gonna spend the money, two dollars or a dollar, either way. They're gonna spend it. They want to win it. They want to quit work and take off and never come back," says Clark Service Station Manager, Alicia Stewart.

It being a mind-boggling $550 million jackpot -- the second largest lottery jackpot of all time. But what happens to all the money raked in during ticket sales? In Louisiana, 35 precent of it goes into the state treasury.

In fact, residents of the bayou state love the lottery so much, that Louisiana ranks first among other U.S. jurisdictional lotteries in percentage of revenue transferred to its government.

Effective July 1, 2004, the Louisiana constitution provides that Lottery proceeds be earmarked for the Minimum Foundation Program. which funds K-12 public education in the state.

In addition, the first $500,000 in annual Lottery proceeds are earmarked for the Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals - Office of Behavioral Health to fund problem gambling programs.

And even though you're more likely to die from a bee sting or hit two consecutive holes in one on the course, the dream of striking it rich just never dies.

"I'll probably pay off what bills I have and probably disappear," says one Shreveporter.

"I'd probably give back to my community because where I'm living it's not really much for the little kids that's growing up and it's a shame," says resident Kim Izundu.

And then there's always the wardrobe...

"I'd buy a couple shirts and suits, that's probably about it."

So if you beat the 1 in 175 million odds and actually win, here's what you should do:

- Turn over your ticket and find out how long you have to claim the money.
- Don't forget to get a safe deposit box.
- If you don't already have one, find a lawyer -- and fast.
- Experts also suggest getting a new cell phone and putting a plan in place.