Years of playing the same special lottery numbers finally paid off for a Delaware resident.
A 69-year-old Wilmington man won $150,000 in Powerball, according to Delaware Lottery officials.
The man won after the numbers he picked matched the Oct. 1 drawing with a jackpot of $175 million.
The Delaware native and longtime truck driver, who chose to remain anonymous, has been playing Powerball since the game first came out, using the same set of numbers inspired by family members’ birth months and years, lottery officials said. Those lucky numbers finally paid off in a big way, they added.
When he realized his ticket matched four numbers plus the Powerball, lottery officials said, his first reaction was a heartfelt “Thank God!”
The man had purchased the Power Play option so his prize was tripled to $150,000.
The winning ticket was purchased at Silverside Discount Liquors at 1403 Philadelphia Pike in Holly Oak. He claimed his prize at Delaware Lottery Headquarters on Oct. 3.
“It’s always exciting when a player’s favorite numbers win,” said Helene Keeley, director of the Delaware Lottery. “Stories like this show how much joy and anticipation Powerball can bring, especially for those who have been part of the game since the beginning.”
The winning Powerball numbers for Oct. 1 were 08, 17, 28, 55 and 64. The Powerball was 14, and the Power Play was 3X.
The next drawing will be Nov. 3 at 10:59 p.m. ET.
The Powerball jackpot currently sits at an estimated $419 million with a cash option of $198 million.
Tickets are valid for up to one year past the drawing date for drawing game prizes or within one year of the announced end of sales for Instant Games, according to delottery.com.
First things first, sign the back of your ticket using an ink pen to identify yourself as the ticket owner. According to the Delaware lottery, once signed, ticket ownership cannot be changed or transferred.
For prizes $599 or less, tickets can be redeemed at Delaware lottery retailers or the Delaware Lottery Office. You can also mail your tickets to the Delaware Lottery Office: 1575 McKee Road, Suite 102, Dover, DE 19904.
Prizes worth $2,500 or less can be claimed at select Delaware Lottery retailer claim centers throughout Kent, Sussex and New Castle counties.
Any prize between $600 and $5,000 can be claimed between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Friday at these redemption centers:
A prize worth $5,001 or more can be claimed at the Delaware Lottery Office on business days from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You must bring a photo ID that includes your name and address, as well as a Social Security card.
All winning Powerball, Mega Millions and Lotto America tickets must be redeemed in the state and jurisdiction where they were sold.