Lotto Jackpot Winner and the Win that Almost Wasn’t

Shannon Peabody said she purchased the $250,000 jackpot-winning Lotto ticket from the Nov. 28 drawing by accident. "I meant to buy a Powerball ticket," the 46-year-old Prairieville resident confessed when she visited Lottery headquarters on Tuesday to claim her prize.

After the accidental purchase, Peabody then left the ticket in an old purse tucked away in her closet for nearly a month. Peabody said she found the ticket later and held onto it yet another month before remembering to check the numbers.

"I am so blessed that I won!" Peabody exclaimed as she held the check in her hand for the first time. She received $175,000 after federal and state tax withholdings. With her winnings, Peabody said she will create a college fund for her 9-year-old daughter. 

Peabody purchased the winning ticket at Siegen Super Stop in Baton Rouge. The store will receive a selling bonus of $2,500, which is one percent of the jackpot prize.

The Lottery recommends players check their tickets immediately after a drawing. Players may not realize that even if they don't win a jackpot prize, there are other prizes that they may have won. Draw-style game tickets must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing.

Lottery ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age. 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.