Plaquemine woman wins $425,000 Lotto jackpot

Plaquemine resident Joycelyn Wilson was surprised to learn that the Oct. 3 $425,000 Lotto jackpot-winning ticket was purchased in her area and even more shocked to discover it was her ticket that matched all six numbers drawn.

“She didn’t know what to do,” the winner’s son said when he accompanied his mom to claim her prize at Lottery headquarters.

“I was just so nervous,” Wilson added. “I feel good now that I’m here, but I haven’t slept since!”

Wilson said she frequently plays Pick 3 and Pick 4, but occasionally tries her luck at Easy 5 and Lotto, because she prefers to play the Lottery’s “local games.”

The winner received $301,750 after state and federal taxes were withheld. As she accepted her prize check, a look of relief washed over her beaming face. Wilson shared that she plans to use the windfall to buy a new home and help out her two kids.

 “I’ve been asking the Lord for a financial breakthrough and he blessed us,” Wilson said.

She purchased the jackpot-winning ticket at Popingo’s #9 in Saint Gabriel. The store will receive a one-time selling bonus of $4,250, which is 1 percent of the prize. The winning numbers were 05-06-22-26-37-38.

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 Lotto can be found on the Lottery’s website, www.louisianalottery.com/lotto.