Thibodaux Teacher Claims $275,000 Lotto Jackpot

Since the Lottery started 20 years ago, Tammy Guidry has been buying at least one Lottery ticket a week.  Her dedication finally paid off when Guidry hit the $275,000 Lotto jackpot on May 18.

Guidry, a school teacher from Thibodaux, said she bought a Powerball and Lotto ticket for the May 18 drawing.  She won $3 on the Powerball ticket, something she had done many times before.  But when she looked at the Lotto ticket and noticed she had matched all six numbers, Guidry was in shock.

"I couldn't believe that I won!" she exclaimed.  "I kept trying to verify that I won by checking my numbers.  I also called my sister crying with excitement."

Guidry plans to buy a new house with her prize money.  After federal and state taxes were withheld, she received $192,500. 

The winning numbers for the May 18 Lotto drawing were 01-08-14-18-22-31.  Draw-style game tickets must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing. 

Guidry purchased her winning ticket at Gaubert Food Marts on Highway 20 in Thibodaux.  The store will receive a bonus of $2,750, which is 1 percent of the prize, for selling the winning ticket. 

Lottery ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age.   For security purposes, the Lottery strongly encourages players to sign the back of their tickets immediately after purchasing.  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.