A Lawrence County man is celebrating after winning $150,000 in the Oct. 17 Powerball drawing, according to the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery.
Michael W., who requested partial anonymity, purchased his winning ticket at Jordan’s Kwik Stop 50, located at 2917 Highway 63 in Portia. He claimed his prize at the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery Claim Center on Oct. 20.
Michael matched four of the five winning numbers, along with the Powerball number, securing a $50,000 prize. Since the Power Play multiplier for the drawing was three, his total winnings were tripled to $150,000.
In a statement provided by lottery officials, Michael shared that he plays Powerball regularly but only when the jackpot exceeds $250 million. He also consistently opts for Quick Pick tickets and the Power Play multiplier feature.
Michael said the realization of his win came while he was at home. His wife noticed on social media that an unclaimed winning ticket had been sold in Portia. Remembering his ticket was still in their car, the couple checked the numbers and discovered the $150,000 prize.
“You never think you’re going to be the one who wins,” Michael told lottery officials.
The couple plans to use part of their winnings to buy a car for their son, who was the first person they shared the news with. The rest will be saved for future needs, according to Michael.
The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, which funds college scholarships through ticket sales, encourages winners to sign their tickets immediately and store them in a safe place.
This latest win adds to the excitement surrounding Arkansas Lottery games, which have contributed millions to education funding across the state since their inception in 2009.