Quick-moving lines formed at convenience stores and gas stations hours before the 11-state drawing as players tried to get a piece of the highest prize in the game’s history.

“People who never play are playing now,” said Karen Cooley as she waited in line to buy 10 Mega Millions tickets at a store in downtown Atlanta. “I believe I’m going to hit it. No one has won in Atlanta yet, and I think I’ll be the first one.”

Georgia lottery officials said ticket sales may have reached 10,000 per minute in the hours ahead of the drawing.