Eric Bankston had the wind in his sails after he visited Louisiana Lottery headquarters in Baton Rouge to claim the $1 million Powerball prize from the June 29 drawing. 
 
The 50-year-old Albany resident's Quick Pick ticket matched all five whiteball numbers but missed the Powerball number. Bankston received $700,000 after federal and state taxes were withheld. "I'd like to buy a new boat. I love sailing," Bankston said.
 
Bankston recently moved back to Louisiana from Washington and he purchased the ticket while on his way to visit friends. He said when he realized he won, he rushed to tell his parents. 
 
"He woke me up and said, 'Mom, I think I won $1 million!' and I said, 'Oh, shut up, Eric!'" his mother told Lottery officials when she accompanied him to claim his prize. 
 
Bankston himself remained a little skeptical. "It's surreal. I don't believe it. I won't believe it until the money is in my account," he said. 
 
He purchased his ticket at Kangaroo Express #3767 in Albany. The store will receive a selling bonus of $10,000, which is 1 percent of the prize.
 
Ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age. Draw-style game tickets must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing. Anyone who may have a gambling problem or friends and family of anyone with a gambling problem should call toll free 1-877-770-7867 for help. 
 
For security purposes, the Lottery strongly encourages players to sign the back of their tickets immediately after purchasing. More information about other Powerball winners can be found on the Lottery's website, www.louisianalottery.com.