Long-Time Lotto Player Hits the Jackpot
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“Total disbelief” is how Dorothy Upshaw of Stonewall describes the moment she realized she won the $400,000 Lotto jackpot from the Louisiana Lottery’s May 13 drawing.
After seeing that all six of her numbers were a match, Upshaw immediately called her granddaughter and her sister to tell them the good news. The sisters have been playing the Lottery together for 20 years and now have each hit it big. Her sister previously won $50,000 during the Lottery’s Lotto Lagniappe promotion in 2014.
Upshaw described herself as a “creature of habit,” having played the Lottery since it began and shopping at Brookshire Food Store just as long. “I always shop at Brookshire first and then get gas across the street,” she said. “I buy tickets at both places, every time.” Upshaw said she only checks her tickets the morning after the drawing, never the night of.
The winning ticket was purchased at Brookshire Food Store #25 on Bert Kouns Industrial Loop in Shreveport. The store received a one-time selling bonus of $4,000, which is 1 percent of the prize.
Upshaw claimed the winning ticket Monday at Louisiana Lottery headquarters accompanied by her sister, granddaughter and great-granddaughter. The winning numbers for the May 13 drawing were 7-9-14-17-37-38. She received $280,000 after state and federal tax withholdings.
“My first thought was ‘I’ve got to get a car,’” Upshaw said, but also admitted she did not have a specific preference for her new set of wheels. However her granddaughter did, chiming in, “I have it picked out for her already!”
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 and other jackpot winners can be found on the Lottery’s website, www.louisianalottery.com.
