Gonzales Resident Claims $30,000 Powerball Prize

Gonzales resident Jessie Hayes could hardly wait to leave Lottery headquarters after claiming a $30,000 Powerball prize from the Jan. 2 drawing because he knew exactly how to spend it.  

"I'm leaving here and immediately going to buy a silver Infiniti G35 for myself," said Hayes.   "I've been wanting a new car for a long time."

Hayes realized he had a winning ticket while helping his friend check her Powerball tickets.  "I just kept looking for '42' on my ticket" said Hayes.  "It was the only number I was missing." 

Jiffy Mart #4 on North Range Road in Denham Springs sold Hayes his winning ticket. The winning numbers for the Jan. 2 Powerball drawing were 03-07-23-27-42 and the Powerball number was 37.

Hayes' ticket matched four of the five white ball numbers drawn and the red Powerball number to win $10,000. Because he added the Power Play option with his ticket, his prize was multiplied by three, bringing his total winnings to $30,000.

For an additional $1 per play, Powerball players can purchase the Power Play option to multiply any nonjackpot prize up to five times, depending upon the Power Play number randomly selected during the drawing. 

Ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age. The Lottery encourages anyone who may have a gambling problem or friends and family of anyone with a gambling problem to 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.