Bridge City resident wins $1 million playing Mega Millions

Samuel Smith of Bridge City learned from his daughter that he was a Louisiana Lottery millionaire after she double checked his Mega Millions ticket for the June 6 drawing and called to let him know.

Smith had already visited a Lottery retailer to have the winning numbers printed and saw that he matched the five white balls drawn, but didn’t know what that meant. “I wasn’t really concerned with it at that point,” said the 71-year-old.

During a visit from his daughter for some mechanical work, he handed her his ticket and told her to take a look. “She called me a half hour later and said ‘Daddy, you know what? You just won a million dollars!’” Smith recalled. “I said you are joking!”

The winning numbers for the June 6 Mega Millions drawing were 03-05-16-49-75 with a Mega Ball of 05. Smith received $699,154.50 after state and federal taxes were withheld. He purchased his winning quick-pick ticket at Store 140 on General Degaulle Drive in New Orleans. The store received a one-time selling bonus of $10,000, which is 1 percent of the prize.

Smith, who is retired from the U.S. Army, plans to use his winnings to pay tithes then build a house on property that he and his wife own outside of New Orleans.

Lottery 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 Mega Millions and other winners can be found on the Lottery’s website, www.louisianalottery.com.