ILLINOIS LOTT JACKPOT SOARS TO $30 MILLION, MOST SINCE 1989

EAST CAPE GIRARDEAU, Ill. -- The lines may start forming at the Purple Crackle Club here today.

"The Lotto jackpot passed $30 million Tuesday," said a spokesman from the Crackle, which dispenses Lotto tickets. "This ranks as one of the 12th highest we've ever had."

The biggest Illinois jackpot was $69.9 million in April 1989 and was split by four winners.

"We've seen the Lotto to $40 million a few times," added the spokesman. "Any time it gets past $25 million, people start buying more tickets."

Illinois Lotter officials added another $2 million to the Lotto jackport Tuesday, pushing the prize for tonight's drawing to $30 million.

"That could increase Wednesday, depending on ticket sales," said the Purple Crackle spokesman. "The jackpot has rolled over six times because no one matched all six numbers drawn."

Lottery officials had added $3 million the amount added this week because of strong sales.

A single winner would collect $1.5 million annually for 20 years.