Retired firefighter wins huge Powerball prize — but misses $239 million by one number
Twice a week, a retired firefighter in Maryland plays Powerball. Recently, the regular player missed a massive jackpot prize by just one number.
The 83-year-old from Windsor Mill told lottery officials that he lets the ticket terminal randomly pick his numbers, according to a June 21 Maryland Lottery news release. His wife usually double checks his tickets every few weeks.
During one of her checks, the lottery player’s wife noticed that one of her husband’s tickets had four numbers plus the Powerball number from the May 31 drawing, missing the $239 million jackpot by just one number, she told officials.
The ticket was not a loss though.
“I thought I won $25,000,” the lottery player told officials. “I was shocked when I learned it was $150,000.”
In addition to hitting four numbers and the Powerball, the man’s ticket also had a 3X Power Play Multiplier, according to officials.
“I knew we won something, but I couldn’t believe it was that much money,” his wife told officials. “We had no idea.”
The couple is “happy and blessed” with their prize, according to the winner’s wife.
While the winner doesn’t have a plan for spending his prize, he told officials he plans to keep playing the lottery twice a week.
“Someone contributed to my win so I will contribute to someone else’s win,” he said.
The winning ticket was bought at Billiard Plus in Baltimore.
Windsor Mill is about 10 miles northwest of downtown Baltimore.
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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