Man Claims Louisiana’s First $1 Million Powerball Prize of 2015

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Derick “Pete” Blakeney visited Louisiana Lottery headquarters Thursday to claim the Louisiana Lottery’s first $1 million Powerball prize of 2015. 
 
The 42-year-old Laurel, Miss. resident’s Quick Pick ticket matched all five white-ball numbers but missed the red Powerball number in the Jan. 14 drawing. Blakeney said he picked up the ticket while on his way home from Comic Con in New Orleans. 
 
He received $700,000 after federal and state taxes were withheld. Though he said he has no immediate plans for the money, Blakeney joked that his wife looked up beachfront property during their three-hour drive to the Lottery office. The winning ticket was purchased at Riverside Travel Center in Pearl River. The store will receive a one-time 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.