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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- The Mega Millions jackpot is breaking records and taking thousands of million dollar hopefuls along for the ride.

The jackpot is at $500 million after it jumped $24 million Tuesday night when no one picked the six correct numbers.

The next drawing is Friday, and dozens of Colorado Springs locals think they've got the winning ticket, including Christopher Schenkel.

"It's worth a shot, four bucks could change everybody's life that you know," he said

While the odds of winning are estimated at one in 175 million, the $1 it takes to play is a risk worth taking for some.

The Western Convenience near Fillmore Street and I-25 sold $300 worth of Mega Millions tickets by Wednesday afternoon and expect to sell nearly double that by the end of the day.

Those tickets could have one lucky local cashing in on a Mega Millions dream.

"I would take care of my brother and take care of my girlfriend, naturally to get her off my back, and give a lot to the Elks Lodge," Don Duran, a Mega Millions hopeful, said.

No matter how you would spend the jackpot, if you don't play you can't get paid.