Powerball player stops for morning drink — then giddy workers tell her to check ticket
The morning after a recent Powerball drawing, an Arkansas woman who “regularly plays the lottery” said she stopped at a convenience store to get her morning drink.
When she got to the E-Z Mart in her hometown of Waldo, she noticed the workers were unusually giddy, according to a news release from the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery.
“The two cashiers are just excited, hopping up and down,” Billie Mooney told lottery officials. “One lady has the winning numbers in her hand, and the other says, ‘Miss Billie, have you checked your numbers yet? Someone from our store has won!’”
Mooney had not checked the results from the Oct. 4 Powerball drawing, so she had no idea she had won a big prize, according to the release.
She handed her Quick Pick Powerball ticket to the workers, officials said, and they confirmed she was their winner.
Mooney had matched four of the white balls and the Powerball, according to the release. This qualified her for a $50,000 prize — but because she added on the Power Play option, her prize was multiplied to $100,000.
“She was shocked when the lottery terminal played a special chime followed by a voice saying she was a winner,” officials said.
The first thing Mooney did after learning about her win was tell her daughter, according to the release. She’s relieved to have some financial security for her family.
The winning numbers during the Oct. 4 drawing were 9, 35, 54, 63, 64 and a Powerball of 1. The jackpot was estimated to be worth $1.19 billion.
The last time someone won the Powerball jackpot was July 19, according to lottery officials. It’s estimated to be worth $1.73 billion as of Oct. 10.
Waldo is in the southwest corner of Arkansas.
Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
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