WyoLottoTM celebrated two winners at their Cheyenne headquarters on August 15. The Lottery welcomed a $100,000 PowerballⓇ winner and a $25,000 Mega MillionsⓇ winner both on a sunny Monday morning.
“We love our winners, and it made our day that much more special to have two big winners in our offices at the same time on a Monday morning,” said Jon Clontz, WyoLotto CEO.
Jerry and Kathie Anderson from Gillette, winners of the $100,000 jackpot, purchased tickets for all three games and learned they had a winning Powerball ticket after the Aug. 13 drawing. The ticket was sold by the Loaf n’ Jug on 2800 South Hwy. 59 in Gillette, Wyo. The Andersons are frequent players of WyoLotto and always play quick-picks.
“We tried using numbers we picked, but that didn’t work, so quick pick is how we pick our numbers now,” Kathie said.
The Andersons added that they want to pay off some bills, and Kathie wants to buy a new car. Jerry said, “Kathie has always believed that we would win someday, and she could always picture us holding a big check. And when I found out we won, I was so excited I couldn’t quit shaking.”
The other winner of the day, Brian Payne, who nabbed up a $25,000 prize, purchased his Mega Millions ticket on July 19. Payne said he didn’t realize his good fortune until he checked his ticket at a WyoLotto retailer location sometime later. A resident of Evanston, Wyo., Brian purchased his ticket at Yellow Creek Liquor on 111 North 3rd, in Evanston.
“The timing couldn’t be better for this money. Between injuries and surgeries, I will be able to take care of some of my finances and my daughter has been wanting a bigger fish tank,” Payne said. Payne’s daughter is entering the 7th grade, is on the honor roll, and plays competitive softball in Evanston.
Payne added that he couldn’t believe the ticket sat on his kitchen counter for a couple of weeks, and was there because he thought he had only won a few dollars that he would later use to buy more tickets. He added, “A few dollars on lottery tickets allows me a few hours before draw time to dream about what it would be like to win.”
“Looks like his dream came true!” Clontz said.
WyoLotto players continue to win, with more than $23.6 million in prizes for Wyoming players. WyoLotto reminds players to pick up tickets for all three games, including Cowboy Draw™, as the jackpot climbs to $670,000. Cowboy Draw tickets are sold only in Wyoming, giving WyoLotto players higher chances of winning prizes.
To receive updates and notifications about the WyoLotto games, visit wyolotto.com/sign-up/.
Photo 1, Caption: Jerry (left) and Kathie Anderson take home a big check for $100,000.
Photo 2, Caption: Justin Ballard (left), WyoLotto CFO, presents a check for $25,000 to Brian Payne (right) and his daughter Amelia on Aug. 15. Download high-resolution print version.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ashley Pexton • Wyoming Lottery Corporation
Phone: 307-459-0580 • ashley@warehousetwentyone.com