Surprised Powerball Player Claims $150,000 Powerball Prize

Late on Jan. 6 after the Powerball drawing, Paula Hilton glanced at her numbers in hopes of winning the $550 million jackpot. While she didn’t have a jackpot-winning ticket, hers ended up being worth $150,000.

“I thought I had won $100,” Hilton said. “But then I noticed more numbers and I saw $50,000, and that got my attention. I was really wondering if I was looking at it right at that point. So I went and woke up my husband. I said I either had $100 or a lot more than that. He told me: ‘Well, you have $150,000.’”

The 45-year-old Natchez, La., resident’s ticket matched all four white-ball numbers and the red Powerball number to win $50,000. She added the $1 Power Play option, which increased her prize to $150,000 when the 3X multiplier was selected during the drawing.

The winning ticket was purchased at 3 J’s Four Way in Natchitoches. Hilton received $105,000 after federal and state taxes were withheld.

“We’re going to pay off some debt, help family members, give to our church, and we’re going to probably take a trip,” Hilton said. “We have a list and we’re knocking things off.”

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.