Natchitoches Resident Claims $382,064 Lotto Jackpot

Trying something new turned out to be a great decision for 27-year-old Mandy Wright of Natchitoches. Instead of playing scratch-off games — her usual favorite — she opted for a Lotto ticket. That ticket turned out to be one of two that split the $764,128 jackpot for the Jan. 12 drawing. 

Wright was spending time at home with her family when she discovered she had won by checking her Lotto numbers on the Lottery's Web site.

Stunned by the news, Wright said her stomach turned all night with excitement.  "My husband is the one that typically plays Lotto. I just decided to try something new," she said.
 
Wright claimed her half of the Lotto jackpot yesterday at Lottery headquarters and received $267,445.44 after federal and state income taxes were withheld. With her winnings, Wright said she plans to purchase a house for her family.
She bought her jackpot-winning ticket at Circle K #7773 on Old Winnfield Highway in Jonesboro. The store will receive a one-time bonus of $3,820 or one percent of the prize, for selling Wright her winning ticket. The winning numbers for the Jan. 12 Lotto drawing were 5-10-17-20-26-28.

Lottery players must be at least 21 years of age to purchase a ticket. 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.