DATE: January 5, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Park City Man Knows How to Ring in the New Year
TOPEKA, KAN. – A 23-year-old Park City resident is starting 2012 on a winning note. On New Year’s Eve day, Shawn Williams purchased three $5 Super Red Hot Crossword instant scratch tickets, scoring a $50,000 prize on the very first ticket he scratched!
“On Saturday, my mom Debbie Williams and I were at Snacks convenience store. Mom was playing KENO,” explained Williams. “So I decided to buy three Crossword tickets, and played the tickets at the store. I won on the very first ticket that I scratched!”
Williams, who is employed by the City of Valley Center, was told by his mother that after he realized he had won a top prize playing the game, he turned “ghost white.”
“I had a store clerk win-check the ticket, and the terminal displayed ‘claim at lottery’,” Williams said. “So on mom’s advice, I signed the back of the ticket. I kept it locked in a lock box over the weekend. Even though I counted the words several times, I wasn’t really sure if I won the $50,000 prize before it was confirmed here (at Kansas Lottery headquarters).” Williams joked that when reality set in he would probably “lose it” on the way home.
When asked about plans for his winnings, Williams said he first offered to pay off his mother’s house, an offer she declined. Instead, he plans to become debt free by paying off student loans and a car loan, and using the remainder as a down payment for a house. Williams plans to continue purchasing Kansas Lottery tickets every so often.
“I enjoy the way that the Kansas Lottery promotes their products,” Williams remarked. “They make playing fun.”
The winning ticket was purchased at Snacks located at 6209 North Broadway in Wichita.
DATE: January 5, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Kansas Lottery Celebrates 25th Anniversary with First-Ever Game Book
TOPEKA, KAN. – In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the Kansas Lottery is launching its first-ever game book. The new 25th Anniversary Game Book is the perfect entertainment for puzzle enthusiasts. The $20 game offers players a chance to play nine of the most popular puzzle games, all in one book! Players can also win up to $100,000 instantly! The game book will be available to retailers statewide this week.
The six-page 25th Anniversary Game Book includes the following nine games: Big Bonus Crossword, Blackout Bingo, Lucky Lines, Bubble Bucks, Winning Combination, Pyramids, Wild Star Crossword, Keno, and Bookworm. In order to claim a prize, the complete 25th Anniversary Game Book must be presented for validation. If pages are separated, the entire game book will be voided.
Beginning with the first-ever game book, the Kansas Lottery is also introducing its new keyless validation barcode. The keyless validation barcode will allow players to check their instant scratch tickets themselves on a Kansas Lottery Check-A-Ticket. The keyless validation barcode on the 25th Anniversary Game Book will be located on page six, under the latex in the play area of the Bookworm game.
For more information on the 25th Anniversary Game Book or the keyless validation barcode, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: January 6, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Olathe Residents Wake Up to $10,000 Surprise!
TOPEKA, KAN. – Thursday morning, Randy and Robin Allenbrand received quite a surprise after checking their $2 Hot Lotto ticket on the Kansas Lottery’s website. In fact, it was a surprise worth $10,000! The Olathe residents matched the first five numbers in the January 4 Hot Lotto drawing, winning a $10,000 cash prize. The winning numbers were: 03-05-10-22-29 Hot Ball 01. The Allenbrand’s winning numbers were: 03-05-10- 22-29 Hot Ball 12.
“My husband has been playing Hot Lotto every Wednesday and Saturday since the game began,” said Robin. “And, he always buys his tickets at the same store. The morning after a drawing, he always checks his tickets on the Internet. Yesterday, he had checked his tickets on the Internet and afterwards, asked if I would look up something on the Internet, too. I asked why and that’s when he told me he thought he had won $10,000 on Hot Lotto.”
After confirming they had matched all five numbers, the Allenbrands discussed who was going to claim the prize at Lottery headquarters in Topeka.
“Randy asked me to take off work to claim the prize, so I said sure!” said Robin.
When claiming the prize, Robin discovered her husband had actually picked his own numbers on the winning ticket.
“I just found out he picked the winning numbers using his birthdate, his mom’s birthdate, and his old high school football number,” Robin said laughing. “I can’t believe he picked his high school football number. It must be a lucky number after all.”
The Allenbrands, who have two children in college, plan to pay bills with their winnings.
“The next time we win, we’ll do something fun,” said Robin. The winning ticket was purchased at Zarco 66, located at 397 S. Parker in Olathe.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: January 6, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Extra Tips Leads Scott City Resident to $20,000 “Bonus”
TOPEKA, KAN. – After earning a few extra dollars in tips on Tuesday, Jan Green of Scott City decided to splurge and buy five $2 Bonus Crossword instant scratch tickets. Green, who is a waitress at a local restaurant, revealed all 10 words on the last ticket she scratched, winning a $20,000 top prize!
“I’m a Crossword fanatic,” said Green. “I buy two tickets every day. Since I earned a little extra tip money, I decided to buy five tickets instead of two. I can’t believe I won $20,000 on the fifth ticket!”
Although Green is an avid Bonus Crossword player, she had a hard time believing she had actually won a top prize.
“Even though I buy tickets every day it was still hard to believe what I had won,” said Green. “Since I was only 99.9 percent sure I had won $20,000, I went back to the store where I purchased my tickets to have the store manager verify my win.”
When Green returned to the store, the manager had left for the day, so she went back home without having her ticket verified.
“When my husband came home, I showed him the ticket and asked him to count the words to make sure I hadn’t made a mistake,” said Green. “When he counted 10 words, I was still only 99.9 percent sure I had won $20,000.”
The next morning, Green stopped at the convenience store where she purchased her tickets and this time, the manager was on duty.
“When she scanned my ticket, the machine read, ‘Claim at Lottery,’ so I knew I must have won $20,000,” said Green. “I still hated to get my hopes up.”
After traveling to the Kansas Lottery’s Great Bend office yesterday, Green was finally convinced she had won $20,000 when Lottery officials verified her win.
“This is so exciting,” said Green. “Since Scott City is such a small town, I’m sure everyone knows I’ve won. I’m just glad it’s true!”
Green and her husband Howard, who have been married 27 years, have three children and one grandson. They plan to pay bills with their winnings.
The winning ticket was purchased at Presto 1600, located at 1310 S. Main in Scott City.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: January 10, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Wichita Resident Claims $10,000 Cash Prize from October Early Bird Drawing
TOPEKA, KAN. – After purchasing his Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets on October 21, 2011, Thomas Pottorff placed them in the console of his truck and that’s where they remained until New Year’s Day. After checking his tickets, the Wichita resident was surprised to find out one of the tickets he was holding was worth $10,000!
“On October 21, which happens to be my daughter’s birthday, I bought four raffle tickets not realizing there were Early Bird drawings,” said Pottorff. “I put the tickets in my console and didn’t give them a second thought until New Year’s Day.”
This year, the Lottery offered players a chance to win $10,000 in Holiday Millionaire Raffle Early Bird drawings during the first five weeks of raffle sales. Since Pottorff purchased his raffle ticket Oct. 21, his tickets were eligible for the Oct. 30 and Nov. 6 Early Bird drawings, and the grand prize drawing Dec. 30.
“My wife Sheila and I have been vacationing in South Padre Island, Texas for a few weeks,” said Pottorff. “We knew the big raffle drawing was Dec. 30 and planned to check our tickets when we returned. We were pretty surprised to find we had won $10,000 in the Oct. 30 Early Bird drawing.”
The winning raffle numbers drawn in the Oct. 30 Early Bird drawing were 022110 and 063816. Pottorff’s winning raffle number was 063816.
The Pottorffs, who have been married 22 years, have an adorable pooch named Ralphie, who accompanied them to Lottery headquarters in Topeka. The couple was undecided how they would spend their winnings.
The winning ticket was purchased at Conoco Convenience Store 600, located at 433 S. Greenwich in Wichita.
DATE: January 13, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
$1 Million Holiday Millionaire Raffle Ticket Still Unclaimed – Other Prizes at Large
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Lottery would like to encourage its players to check their Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets. As of today, the $1 million winning raffle ticket remains unclaimed. The grand prize winning raffle number in the December 30 drawing was 125501 and was sold in south central Kansas.
The south central region of the state includes the following counties: Barton, Rice, McPherson, Marion, Stafford, Reno, Harvey, Pratt, Kingman, Sedgwick, Butler, Barber, Harper, Sumner, and Cowley.
In addition to the grand prize winning ticket, several other large prizes remain unclaimed from the December 30 drawing. Raffle number 030872, worth $10,000 is still unclaimed and five raffle tickets each worth $5,000 are unclaimed. The raffle tickets worth $5,000 each were 052059, 055218, 068167, 068733 and 104827.
Three Early Bird winning tickets also remain unclaimed. Each Early Bird winning ticket is worth $10,000. The winning raffle tickets were 031432, 071999, 032597. Players have 365 days from the date of the drawing to claim a prize. Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets can be checked at any Kansas Lottery retail location, or players can view all raffle winning numbers by visiting www.kslottery.com.
DATE: January 13, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Powerball Changes Set for January 15
TOPEKA, KAN. – Powerball®, America’s longest-running multi-state lottery game is scheduled to change this Sunday. The new enhancements are to bring bigger jackpots, better overall odds and more millionaires!
Powerball jackpots will start at $40 million, doubling the previous starting jackpots of $20 million, which means bigger jackpots for players. Players will still chose the first five numbers from a pool of 59, but the numbers in the Powerball pool will shrink from 39 to 35, producing better overall odds of winning a prize. The revamped game features a 1 in 31.8 overall chance of winning versus a 1 in 35 chance previously. The odds of winning the jackpot also improve to 1 in 175.2 million versus 1 in 195.2 million previously.
In addition, the prize for matching the first five numbers increases to $1 million, up from $200,000, and with $1 extra per play for the Power Play option, players will have a chance to win $2 million for the match 5 prize, making more Kansas millionaires! All non-jackpot prize amounts also increase and will be set amounts with a Power Play purchase.
The new Powerball game still offers players nine ways to win and drawings continue to be Wednesdays and Saturdays at 9:59 p.m. Central Standard Time. The ticket price has changed from $1 to $2, but with bigger jackpots, better overall odds and more millionaires, players are getting a big bang for the extra buck!
Powerball is owned by the Multi-State Lottery Association, which is a government- benefit, non-profit association owned and operated by 44 member lotteries. MUSL currently coordinates six multi-state games in the United States. Powerball® and Power Play® are registered trademarks of the Multi-State Lottery Association.
DATE: January 13, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Friday the 13th Lucky Day for Herington Man
TOPEKA, KAN. – Friday the 13th has turned out to be a very lucky day for Jeffery Hampton. The Herington resident didn’t mind taking the day off work today to make a trip to Lottery headquarters in Topeka to claim a top prize worth $10,000! Hampton won the top prize playing a $2 Aces instant scratch ticket.
“I buy lottery tickets two or three times a week,” said Hampton. “Since I’ve had luck playing Aces before, I thought I would try my luck again and bought one ticket.”
After scratching his ticket, Hampton knew he had won, but figured he had won a Free ticket. He was quite shocked when he discovered he had won $10,000.
“I knew I had won, but I waited until the very end to scratch the prize amount that showed the amount I had won,” explained Hampton. “I assumed I had won a Free ticket. It was a big surprise when I saw I had won $10,000.”
After signing the back of his winning ticket, Hampton went to a local convenience store to have his ticket verified.
“After a store clerk verified I had won, I went on to work to ask for the day off so I could claim my prize,” said Hampton. “The clerk was so happy someone had won, she talked about it after I left. A coworker’s husband was in the store and heard I had won. He called his wife, who in turn told other coworkers. By the time I got to work, the word had spread quickly that I had won.”
Hampton, who works for Hodgdon Powder Company, was undecided how he would spend his winnings.
The winning ticket was purchased at Ampride, located at 301 W. Walnut in Herington.
DATE: January 17, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
$1 Million Holiday Millionaire Raffle Grand Prize Claimed by Wichita Resident!
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Wichita resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, has claimed the $1 million Holiday Millionaire Raffle grand prize! The $1 million grand prize ticket was drawn in the Holiday Millionaire Raffle drawing on December 30, 2011. The winning raffle number was 125501 and was purchased at QuikTrip 320, located at 1021 W. 31st St. South in Wichita.
Several other large prizes remain unclaimed in the Holiday Millionaire Raffle drawing. Raffle number 030872, worth $10,000, and four raffle tickets each worth $5,000 are unclaimed: 052059, 055218, 068167, and 068733.
Two Early Bird winning tickets also remain unclaimed. Each Early Bird winning ticket is worth $10,000. The winning raffle tickets were 031432 and 071999. Raffle number 031432 was drawn in the October, 9, 2011, drawing and raffle number 071999 was drawn in the Oct. 23, 2011, drawing.
Players have 365 days from the date of the raffle drawing to claim a prize.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: January 18, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Mapleton Resident Wins Sizzlin’ Hot Prize worth $30,000
TOPEKA, KAN. – When Brian Snyder checked his Hot Lotto ticket on a Kansas Lottery Check-a-Ticket machine last Saturday, he was quite surprised when a message read, “Claim at Lottery. Sign back of ticket.” Never seeing this before, Snyder figured he must have won $600 or possibly more, and he was correct! The Mapleton resident revealed the first five Hot Lotto numbers in the January 11 drawing, winning a $10,000 cash prize, but since he purchased the Sizzler option, his winnings were multiplied by three, bringing his total winnings to $30,000!
Snyder, who purchased a $4 Quick Pick ticket, was literally one number away from winning the Hot Lotto jackpot. Snyder’s winning numbers were 08-16-28-34-35 Hot Ball 13. The winning numbers were 08-16-28-34-35 Hot Ball 14.
“After I checked my ticket and got the message that I had to claim my ticket at the Lottery, I went over to a friend’s house to look up the numbers on the Internet,” explained Snyder. “I was very surprised to see that I won $30,000. I’ve been playing Hot Lotto since the game began and this is the first time I’ve won over $12. Adding the Sizzler option really paid off for me. When I told my friends and family how much I had won, some had a hard time believing me.”
There are nine ways to win playing Hot Lotto. By adding the Sizzler option, the total cost of a wager doubles, but players have a chance to triple any prizes won.
“I’m going to continue buying my tickets with Sizzler,” said Snyder. “I’m still shooting for the big one – a jackpot!”
Snyder, who farms wheat, corn, and soybeans, was undecided how he would spend his winnings. He purchased his winning ticket at Hill’s Service 1, located at 308 N. National in Fort Scott.
DATE: January 18, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Swamp People Stars Featured on New Kansas Lottery $2 Instant Scratch Ticket
TOPEKA, KAN. – Kansas Lottery players captivated by History’s® hit reality series Swamp People will enjoy the Lottery’s newest $2 game. The new $2 Choot ‘Em® instant scratch ticket features reality television stars Troy and Jacob Landry of Pierre Part, Louisiana.
The new Choot ‘Em® instant scratch game will be shipped to retailers statewide this week. The game features three ticket scenes and offers players a chance to win up to $10,000 instantly! Troy Landry coined the phrase “Choot ‘Em®” while hunting alligators in the Atchafalaya Basin in Louisiana with son and partner, Jacob Landry.
To celebrate the launch of Choot ‘Em®, the Landrys will make a special appearance at Bass Pro Shops® in Olathe February 11. The father and son team will greet fans and sign autographs from 12 to 4 p.m. The Kansas Lottery will also have a selling location at Bass Pro Shops® Friday, February 10, 2012 through Sunday, February 12, 2012, where players can purchase Choot ‘Em® tickets. Players who make a $10 minimum purchase of Choot ‘Em® tickets during the weekend event will receive a Choot ‘Em® t-shirt while supplies last. The Lottery will release further details of the special appearance later this month.
For more information on the new $2 Choot ‘Em game, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: January 19, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Friday the 13th a Day of Celebrations for Wichita Family
TOPEKA, KAN. – Friday the 13th was a day of celebrations for the Keith family of Wichita. That morning, Ben and Barbara Keith attended a breakfast honoring their son and other students who made the Presidential Honor Roll. Later that day, they were at Lottery headquarters in Topeka celebrating a $10,000 win!
“After the breakfast, I stopped and bought five $2 Lucky Lines tickets,” said Ben Keith. “I was sitting in my truck when I scratched my tickets. I couldn’t believe it when I won $10,000 on the first ticket I played. I did a happy dance.”
According to Barbara Keith, who works at Haysville Healthcare, said she had previously given Ben strict instructions not to call her at work unless he had won the lottery.
“When he called me at work, I was shocked when he said he had won $10,000,” said Barbara. “I never thought he would actually call me at work with such news.”
After sharing the news with his wife, the couple picked their son up from school and made the trip to Lottery headquarters in Topeka to claim their prize.
“Today has been a lucky day even though it’s Friday the 13th,” said Keith. “Thirteen may be our lucky number. We celebrated my son making the Presidential Honor Roll and our $10,000 win on the 13th. We’ve been married 13 years and our son turns thirteen in a couple days, and his baseball number is 13.”
The Keiths, who planned to replace their septic system with their winnings, purchased the winning ticket at Kwik Shop 771, located at 110 E. 5th St. in Valley Center.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: January 20, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Players Win Great Electronic Prizes in the TECH The Halls Second-Chance Drawing
TOPEKA, KAN. – One hundred and twenty Kansas Lottery Players Club members have each won great electronic prizes, including Nintendo Wii® Bundles, Blackberry® Playbook Tablets, and HDTVs. The 120 winners were drawn in the TECH The Halls online-only second-chance drawing held today at Lottery headquarters in Topeka.
To become eligible to win one of 40 Nintendo Wii® Bundles, players entered non- winning $1 holiday instant scratch tickets: Holiday Treats, Happy Holidays, ‘Twas the Knot before Christmas or Nutcracker Sweet. To become eligible to win one of 40 Blackberry® Playbook Tablets, players entered non-winning $2 holiday instant scratch tickets: Peng-Win Bingo, Jolly Elf Crossword or Kitty Claws/Holiday Hounds. To become eligible to win one of 40 HDTVs, players entered non-winning $5 Holiday Countdown instant scratch tickets.
In order to enter non-winning holiday tickets, players had to become members of the Lottery’s Players Club. Players Club membership is FREE and includes monthly drawings for free lottery plays, information on upcoming promotions, winning numbers, and much more.
For a complete list of all 120 TECH The Halls winners, visit: http://www.kslottery.com/Promotions/TechTheHalls.html.
An email will be sent to the winners for address verification, followed by a mailed claim form. Winners must complete the claim form, attach the original ticket and return both to the Kansas Lottery within 30 days of the date of the drawing.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: January 27, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Coffeyville College Student Claims Top Prize worth $10,000
TOPEKA, KAN. – While on her way to school yesterday, Coffeyville college student Channing Moore stopped at a convenience store for something to drink. Standing at the counter, she noticed her favorite instant scratch game, Betty Boop, and decided to purchase five of the $2 game. As she was sitting in the parking lot scratching her last ticket, the 24-year-old student revealed a $10,000 top prize!
“I don’t know why Betty Boop is my favorite game, but it’s the only ticket I buy,” said Moore. “The most I’ve ever won playing the game was a total of $180. I’m so excited about winning $10,000.”
After verifying the winning ticket at the same convenience store where she purchased them, Moore went home to show her husband Jared Everitt.
“He was as shocked as I was,” said Moore. “I didn’t want the ticket out of my sight, so I kept it with me all day while I was in school and finally put it in our gun safe when I got home. I was so nervous and excited all at the same time, I couldn’t sleep.”
Moore, who attends Coffeyville Community College, has one son who will turn 2-years- old tomorrow. She plans to use her winnings for her next semester’s tuition, pay bills and save the rest for her son.
The winning ticket was purchased at Jump Start Markets, located at 512 Northeast St. in Coffeyville.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: January 30, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Passing the Time turns into $10,000 Profit for Dodge City Resident
TOPEKA, KAN. – During slow hours, bartender Nicole DuPree likes to pass the time playing Keno or Kansas Hold‘Em. On January 24, passing the time turned into a profit for the Dodge City resident when she beat the virtual high hand, winning a $10,000 top prize playing Kansas Hold‘Em!
“I was watching as the cards were dealt and knew I had won something, but I figured I had probably won $400 or $500,” said DuPree. “When I checked my ticket and saw I had won $10,000, I jumped around. I freaked out my customers, but once I told them I had won $10,000, they were as excited as I was.”
Kansas Hold‘Em is a virtual poker game with a new hand dealt every four minutes. When playing the game, players receive two cards on their ticket and watch a Kansas Hold’Em monitor as the community cards and three virtual players’ cards are dealt. Players try to make their best five-card hand using the community cards and at least one of their cards. If a player beats or ties the virtual high hand, they can win up to $10,000! DuPree won a $10,000 top prize by having the highest hand with a Royal Flush.
“Whenever I’m bored at the bar, I play Keno or Kansas Hold‘Em,” explained DuPree. “I’ve had good luck playing Keno, but the most I’ve ever won was $500. That doesn’t even compare to winning $10,000!”
DuPree, who has three children, works at HD’s Sports Bar, located at 2600 Central in Dodge City where she purchased her ticket. Her mom, Vickie Herrington, has owned and operated the bar for six years. According to Vickie, who accompanied DuPree to Lottery headquarters in Topeka, their family has had good luck recently. Vickie won $10,000 a couple months ago at Boot Hill Casino & Resort in Dodge City.
“Our family really enjoys gambling,” said Vickie. “So far, we’ve had good luck.”
DATE: February 2, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Salina Accountant Counts His Way to Winning a $20,000 Top Prize
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Salina accountant has counted his way to winning a $20,000 top prize. On Monday, Aaron Reinwald purchased a $2 Bonus Crossword instant scratch game, revealing all 10 words on the ticket, winning a top prize!
“After scratching my ticket, I thought I had won $2,000,” said Reinwald. “I counted the words several time before I realized I had won $20,000.”
In disbelief, Reinwald showed his winning ticket to his wife Melissa.
“He’s always pulling my leg, so I didn’t believe him at first,” said Melissa. “After I counted the words myself, I couldn’t believe it. I was about to tell him to quit buying tickets, too.”
According to Reinwald, Bonus Crossword is his favorite game to play and he purchases a ticket once a week. After taking his ticket to a local convenience store for verification, the Reinwalds shared the good news with their parents.
“Everyone is happy for us,” said Reinwald. “Now we can pay off our car loan and not stress about paying for daycare.”
The Reinwalds, who have been married five years, have a five-week-old son. Their winning ticket was purchased at Kwik Shop 712, located at 305 W. Schilling Rd. in Salina.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: February 6, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
The Stars Align for Spring Hill Resident – Winning $75,000 Top Prize!
TOPEKA, KAN. – After having a bad day last Friday, Neahmiah Wilson decided to purchase a $10 Classic Black instant scratch ticket to cheer herself up. The “stars” aligned for her that evening, bringing her good luck. The Spring Hill resident, who revealed a Star symbol on her Classic Black ticket, won a $75,000 top prize playing the game!
“Last Friday was a terrible day,” said Wilson. “I ended up falling not once, but twice that day because of the rain. The second time I fell, I ended up covered in mud. After cleaning up, I stopped at a convenience store and decided on a whim to buy a $10 scratch ticket. I never buy $10 games either. I usually stick to the $2 Bonus Crossword tickets.”
Her bad day quickly turned into an unforgettable day when she revealed a $75,000 top prize.
“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” said Wilson. “I immediately signed the back of my ticket and went back to the store to have it checked. When I handed the clerk my ticket, I told her I thought I had won $75,000. Before she scanned the ticket, I asked her to be discreet and not make it a big deal if I had won. After scanning the ticket, she looked over at me, shaking her head ‘yes’ and smiling.”
In a state of shock, Wilson went to her parent’s house to show them the winning ticket.
“I decided to keep my ticket at their house, so I knew it would be safe and sound,” said Wilson. “I didn’t tell anyone else, but by Sunday I think the entire town knew how much I had won.”
Wilson, who has three children, plans to start a college fund for each child with a portion of her winnings. She also plans to purchase a newer car, pay bills and save the rest for another rainy day.
The winning ticket was purchased at Casey’s General Store 1194, located at 607 N. Webster in Spring Hill.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: February 8, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Meet "Swamp People" Troy and Jacob Landry February 11 at Bass Pro Shops® in Olathe!
TOPEKA, KAN. – In conjunction with the Kansas Lottery’s newest $2 Choot ‘Em® instant scratch game, the Lottery is having two “Swamp People” visit the great state of Kansas. Troy and Jacob Landry of the hit reality series, Swamp People, will be signing autographs Saturday, February 11, 2012, from 12 to 4 p.m. at Bass Pro Shops® in Olathe!
The Kansas Lottery will also have a selling location at Bass Pro Shops® Friday, February 10, 2012 through Sunday, February 12, 2012, where players can purchase Choot ‘Em® tickets. Players who make a $10 minimum purchase of Choot ‘Em® tickets during the weekend event will receive a commemorative Choot ‘Em® t-shirt while supplies last.
The game features three ticket scenes and offers players a chance to win up to $10,000 instantly! Troy Landry coined the phrase “Choot ‘Em®” while hunting alligators in the Atchafalaya Basin in Louisiana with son and partner, Jacob Landry.
Like the Kansas Lottery and Bass Pro Shops Olathe on Facebook for more updates on the event. You can also leave a message on Troy Landry's Facebook fan page!
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: February 8, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
K-State Senior Receives Early Graduation “Bonus” worth $20,000
TOPEKA, KAN. – K-State senior Benjamin Buckles of Topeka received an early graduation “bonus” last Tuesday after playing a $2 Bonus Crossword instant scratch ticket. The finance major revealed all 10 words on his ticket, winning a $20,000 top prize!
“I buy a Crossword ticket every Friday since it’s pay day,” said Buckles. “I’m not really sure when I bought my winning ticket. I had a stack of tickets I had previously bought, but hadn’t finished playing. The winning ticket was in that stack and could have been sitting there for weeks.”
Although he seemed nonchalant about winning a $20,000 top prize, Buckles is very thankful he discovered the winning ticket.
“I was completely surprised when I realized I had won $20,000,” said Buckles. “I spent a lot of time going over the ticket to ensure I hadn’t made a mistake. I didn’t want to have it verified at a store because to me, that’s like having a pocketful of money and it made me nervous.”
After he was certain he had won a $20,000 top prize, Buckles signed the back of his winning ticket and put it in a lockbox for safe keeping.
“When I told some of my friends about my prize, they responded with excited anger,” said Buckles. “They were excited for me, but angry because they haven’t won.”
Buckles, who will graduate in May, was undecided how he’ll spend his winnings.
“Winning $20,000 makes for a nice graduation present,” said Buckles. “I’ll use the money for any number of things, but my first thoughts are how I can put this to the best use.”
The winning ticket was purchased at Dillons 15, located at 130 Saber Lane in Manhattan.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: February 15, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Batter Up for Chance to Win MLB® All-Star Game® Prize Packages
TOPEKA, KAN. – For the first time, the Kansas Lottery is offering a new $2 game in which players can win up to $10,000 instantly or win one of three 2012 MLB® All-Star Game® prize packages in a second-chance drawing! The new 2012 MLB® All-Star Game® instant scratch game will be available to retailers statewide this week.
One grand prize will be awarded. The winner and one guest will receive a pair of tickets to the MLB® Taco Bell® All-Star Sunday™ game, Gatorade™ All-Star Workout Day™ featuring the State Farm™ Home Run Derby®, and the MLB® All-Star Game® in July 2012. In addition, the prize package includes: one double-occupancy hotel room, $1,000 cash, a 2012 MLB® All-Star Game® gift bag, and all mandatory state and federal income withholding taxes. The grand prize is valued at approximately $7,400.
Two secondary prizes will also be awarded. Each winner and their guest will receive a pair of tickets to the 2012 MLB® All-Star Game® in July, one double-occupancy hotel room, $300 cash, a 2012 MLB® All-Star Game® gift bag and all mandatory state and federal income withholding taxes. The two secondary prizes are each valued at approximately $3,500.
The 2012 MLB® All-Star Game® second-chance drawing will be held June 1, 2012. To enter, players must mail non-winning $2 2012 MLB® All-Star Game® instant scratch tickets to:
2012 MLB® All-Star Game® Drawing Kansas Lottery P.O. Box 8099 Topeka, KS 66608-0099
Entries must be received no later than the morning mail pickup May 29, 2012. No later than 5 p.m. on this date, players may also deposit entries into any receptacle designated by the Lottery. Players may enter the drawing as often as they wish, but can only win one prize package. Winners must claim their prize within 10 days from the date of the drawing, or the next eligible entry will be declared the winner. For more information on the 2012 MLB® All-Star Game® second-chance drawing, see back of tickets or visit www.kslottery.com.
Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of the Major League Baseball Properties, Inc.
DATE: February 16, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
A Time for Celebration – Wichita Resident Wins $100,000 Top Prize Playing Kansas Lottery’s First-Ever Game Book!
TOPEKA, KAN. – This week has been a time for celebration for the Villa family of Wichita. Joel and Leticia Villa celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary on Valentine’s Day and today, they’re celebrating a $100,000 win! Joel, who purchased the Kansas Lottery’s new 25th Anniversary Game Book yesterday, won a $100,000 top prize playing Blackout Bingo!
“I work second shift at Cessna and decided to buy a lottery ticket before work,” explained Villa. “I hadn’t tried the Game Book before, so I thought I would give it a try.”
The $20 Game Book offers players a chance to play nine of the most popular puzzle games, all in one book! Villa won his $100,000 top prize by revealing all numbers on one of his Bingo games, getting a “blackout.”
“What’s funny is, I played the Game Book backwards, starting with the last game and working my way to the first game,” said Villa. “I ended up winning on the last ticket I scratched, which was the first game in the book. When I realized how much I had won, I was shocked. I had a coworker, who buys lottery tickets all the time, take a look at it. When he confirmed it appeared I had won, he suggested I sign the back of my winning ticket. I was shaking so bad, my signature was barely legible.”
Villa’s brother Jacob, who works with Joel at Cessna, also took a look at the winning ticket to make sure it was a $100,000 winner.
“When I heard the news Joel had won, I thought everyone was joking,” said Jacob, who accompanied Joel to Lottery headquarters in Topeka to claim the prize. “Joel was so shook up I had to call Leticia to let her know he had won.”
“Joel asked me to pick up the winning ticket during his lunch break and put it in our safe at home,” said Leticia. “When I got there, he had stapled the ticket inside a plastic bag. Since the ticket was stapled in the bag, I didn’t even get a chance to look at it until we claimed our prize.”
“When we arrived at the Lottery, I was hoping there was a red convertible waiting for me in the parking lot since I won such a big prize,” joked Villa. “I guess now I can buy one of my own.”
The Villas, who have three children, plan to pay bills and become debt free with their winnings. The couple’s 15-year-old son is hoping they purchase a new truck, so he can have his dad’s old truck.
The winning ticket was purchased at Presto 1633, located at 1254 S. Tyler Rd. in Wichita
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: February 20, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Kansas City, Kan. Resident Wins $20,000 in “Green”- Plans to Go Green
TOPEKA, KAN. – Last week, while on her way to visit her son-in-law, Tim, at the hospital, Sharon Hall of Kansas City, Kan. picked up a couple of $2 Bonus Crossword instant scratch tickets. As she was visiting with Tim, Hall scratched her tickets. Much to her surprise, she revealed all 10 words on one of the games, winning a $20,000 top prize!
“I’ve had really good luck playing Bonus Crossword,” said Hall. “I won $2,000 a month ago and had actually thought I had won $2,000 again. Tim always looks over my tickets when I’m done scratching them and he’s the one who realized I had won $20,000. After he looked it over, he looked at me with a grin and said, ‘I think you won $20,000 not $2,000!’ We were so surprised.”
According to Hall, winning $20,000 came at a great time.
“I just moved to a farm with my daughter,” explained Hall. “We decided to go green, so we’re making several changes to our home. My daughter is going to ‘chicken school’ to learn how to raise chickens and we want a new barbeque grill. Plus, I have several bills to pay, so winning couldn’t have come at a better time.”
Hall, who is retired, has three daughters, four grandchildren, and four great- grandchildren.
The winning ticket was purchased at QuikTrip 157, located at 7400 W. 63rd St. in Overland Park.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: February 23, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Jewell Resident Reels In $10,000 Top Prize
TOPEKA, KAN. – Although he didn’t catch a big gator like Troy and Jacob Landry of the hit reality series Swamp People, William Griffeth did catch a big prize. The Jewell resident purchased a $2 Choot ‘Em® instant scratch ticket Monday evening, winning a $10,000 top prize!
“I stopped and purchased a Choot ‘Em ticket before going to a volunteer firefighter meeting Monday evening,” explained Griffeth. “When I realized I had won $10,000, I whooped and hollered. Everyone in the meeting teased me about taking my ticket and claiming it themselves.”
Griffeth said he had a hard time sleeping that night knowing he had a ticket worth $10,000 lying in his safe.
“Since we live in a small town, everyone knew how much I had won,” said Griffeth. “We also live right off a highway. Knowing I had a big ticket in the house made me a little nervous.”
After hearing the good news Griffeth’s wife Melanie said, “I didn’t believe him when he told me how much he had won. I had to see the ticket myself. I even got up a couple times in the middle of the night to look at it. When we told his 84-year-old mom, she about fainted when we told her we won $10,000.”
The Griffeths, who have been married eight years, plan to purchase a newer truck with their winnings. He purchased his winning ticket at Jewell Grocery, located at 320 Delaware in Jewell.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
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DATE: February 29, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Kansas Lottery Players have Chance to Win VIP Racing Prize Packages for Two!
TOPEKA, KAN. – With the 2012 NASCAR® season underway, the Kansas Lottery is once again offering players a chance to watch their favorite racecar driver cross the start/finish line at Kansas Speedway® this fall. The Kansas Lottery is launching a new $5 game this week giving players a chance to win $25,000 instantly or one of 40 VIP racing weekend prize packages to Kansas Speedway in the NASCAR second-chance drawing.
The officially licensed NASCAR promotion is an online-only second-chance drawing offered exclusively to Kansas Lottery Players Club members. The 40 VIP grand prize packages include: two tickets for the October 19-21, 2012, NASCAR sanctioned races at Kansas Speedway, one double-occupancy hotel room, transportation between the hotel and Kansas Speedway, food and other amenities at the Kansas Lottery chalet inside Kansas Speedway, $400 cash and mandatory state and federal income withholding taxes. Each racing prize package is valued at approximately $4,400.
The officially licensed NASCAR online-only second-chance drawing winners will be announced September 7, 2012. Players must retain and present their original ticket to claim a prize. Mailed entries will not be accepted. Online entries will be accepted until noon September 4, 2012. An email will be sent to the winners for address verification, followed by a mailed claim form. Players may enter as often as they wish, but may only win one prize package. In the event any race is postponed, changed or cancelled, no cash prize substitutions or other compensations will be provided.
Players Club membership is FREE and includes monthly drawings for free lottery plays, information on upcoming promotions, winning numbers and much more. Kansas Lottery players should sign up today for a chance to win a VIP racing weekend prize package!
NASCAR® is a registered trademark of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc., NASCAR, INC., is not a sponsor of this promotion, Kansas Speedway® and the Kansas Speedway logo are trademarks of International Speedway Corporation.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: February 29, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Luck has Struck for the Second Time for Haysville Residents
TOPEKA, KAN. – Luck has struck again for the Rozar family of Haysville. In 2010, Pam Rozar won a 3i Show Special Edition GMC Canyon Crew Cab ZQ8 Sport truck from the Kansas Lottery in a second-chance drawing. Today, her husband William claimed a $10,000 cash prize playing a $10 Classic Black instant scratch ticket.
“I bought 11 of the Classic Black tickets this morning and won the $10,000 cash prize on the second ticket I scratched,” said William. “I ended up winning a total of $85 on the other tickets, which means of those 11 tickets, I won $10,085. That’s a pretty good return on my money.”
According to Rozar, he purchases instant scratch tickets once or twice a month and always likes playing new games.
“When I see a new game, I always give it a shot,” said William. “When the Classic Black first came out, I had good luck so I kept playing. I’m glad I did!”
After realizing he had won the cash prize, William and Pam made their way to Kansas Lottery headquarters in Topeka to claim their prize.
“I called our kids while we were on our way to Topeka,” said Pam. “When I called our daughter and told her I had a big surprise, she asked, ‘Did you win the Lottery again?’ Everyone thinks we have good luck.”
The Rozars, who have been married 46 years, have two children, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. They were undecided how they were going to spend their winnings.
“Most likely we’ll spend a little on more lottery tickets,” said William.
The winning ticket was purchased at Diamond Shamrock, located at 115 W. Grand Ave., in Haysville.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: March 2, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Crossover to the Future – Win a 2012 GMC Terrain!
TOPEKA, KAN. – “Crossover” to the future with a new 2012 GMC Terrain. Players who purchase $3 or more of Powerball with Power Play on a single ticket from March 2 through July 7, 2012, will automatically receive one entry form for the Crossover to the Future promotion. The prize drawing will be held at the 3i Show in Dodge City, July 14, 2012.
In addition to the 2012 GMC Crossover Terrain, the grand prize includes mandatory state and federal income withholding taxes, plus all applicable taxes and fees for the vehicle. The total value of the grand prize is approximately $52,000.
To enter the drawing, players should fill out their entries, place one or more entries into an envelope and mail to:
Crossover Drawing Kansas Lottery P.O. Box 1453 Great Bend, KS 67530-1453
Mailed entries must be received no later than the morning mail pickup in Great Bend July 10, 2012. No later than 5 p.m. on this date, players may also deposit entries into any receptacle specifically designated by the Lottery.
Qualifying tickets may be purchased and entries deposited at the 3i Show in Dodge City from July 12-14, 2012.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com. Rules subject to future amendment.
DATE: March 16, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
40 Kansas Lottery Players Club Members each Win “Mega” VIP NASCAR Racing Prize Packages for Two!
TOPEKA, KAN. – Forty Kansas Lottery Players Club members have each won a “mega” VIP NASCAR Racing Experience prize package for two to Kansas Speedway in April! The 40 winners were drawn today in the Mega Millions to Kansas Speedway online-only promotion offered exclusively to Kansas Lottery Players Club members.
The lucky winners will each receive two tickets to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series SFP 250 race on April 21, and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series STP 400 race on April 22; one double occupancy hotel room for Friday and Saturday nights; transportation between the hotel and Kansas Speedway; food and other amenities at the Kansas Lottery hospitality chalet; $400 cash and all mandatory state and federal income withholding taxes. Each prize package is valued at approximately $3,400.
Beginning December 4, 2011 through 12 p.m. on March 15, 2012, players who purchased $5 or more of Mega Millions on a single ticket entered non-winning tickets through the Kansas Lottery’s Players Club website. To become eligible for the VIP NASCAR Racing Experience prize packages, players had to be or become members of the Kansas Lottery’s Players Club. Players Club membership is FREE and includes monthly drawings for free lottery plays, information on upcoming promotions, winning numbers, and much more.
For a complete list of the 40 winners, visit: http://www.kslottery.com/Promotions/MegaMillionsToSpeedway.html.
An email will be sent to the winners for address verification, followed by a mailed claim form. Winners must complete the claim form, attach the original Mega Millions ticket and return both to the Kansas Lottery within 14 days of the date of the drawing. If a winner cannot produce their original Mega Millions ticket, an alternate winner will be selected to receive the prize. Alternate winners must also produce their original winning entry in order to claim a prize.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: March 19, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Anthony Resident Finds Forgotten Ticket worth $10,000
TOPEKA, KAN. – According to Juli Lewis, she has a bad habit of purchasing lottery tickets and not checking them for several days or weeks. When the Anthony resident came across a Powerball ticket inside of a suitcase, she figured she better have it checked in case it was a winner. And, she’s glad she did. The ticket was worth $10,000!
“When I stopped at the grocery store Saturday, I asked a store clerk to check my ticket,” explained Lewis. “When she scanned it the lottery machine read, “Return ticket to player. Claim at Lottery.’ Neither one of us had seen that before, so the clerk asked another employee to check my ticket. When she scanned the ticket and got the same message, they looked up the winning numbers on the Lottery’s website. That’s when we discovered I had won $10,000! Everyone screamed and shouted for me. It really made it a fun experience.”
Lewis matched four numbers plus the Powerball, winning the cash prize. If one of her numbers, 02, been reversed to 20, she would have won the jackpot for matching all numbers. The winning numbers for the March 10 drawing were 05, 14, 17, 20, 41 Powerball 05. Lewis’ winning numbers were 02, 05, 14, 17, 41 Powerball 05.
“Too bad my numbers weren’t reversed,” joked Lewis. “Winning $1 million would have been great, but I’m still very happy to have won $10,000. I buy $2 worth every Wednesday and Saturday. I figure it only takes $2 to win. At the very least, it gives you hope. If you don’t play, you’ll never win.”
Lewis, who plans to retire in May after 29 years of teaching, has two children and two grandchildren. The 65-year-old plans to purchase a new jungle gym set for her grandchildren with her winnings and the rest she said would go toward a new truck.
The winning ticket was purchased at Casey’s General Store 1345, locates at 1402 E. 6th in Emporia.
DATE: March 21, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
To Commemorate Superhero Movie Kansas Lottery Launches New $2 Game – Marvel The Avengers
TOPEKA, KAN. – Comic book fans across America are getting excited about the most anticipated film of the spring. All of the classic Marvel superheroes featured in the box office hits Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger, are coming together this spring to form the most epic superhero movie of all time – The Avengers.
To commemorate this highly anticipated film, the Kansas Lottery is launching an equally epic instant scratch game. The new $2 Marvel The Avengers instant scratch game offers four ticket scenes featuring legendary superheroes and a chance to win up to $10,000 instantly! The new $2 game will be shipped to Lottery retailers this week. Collect all scenes of this epic game and watch The Avengers movie coming to theaters this May.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
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DATE: March 22, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Hutchinson Resident Wins $10,000 Playing Powerball
TOPEKA, KAN. – A couple of days after the March 3 Powerball drawing, Michael Appel of Hutchinson stopped by a convenience store to check his tickets. The first ticket he scanned on the store’s Check-A-Ticket machine read, “Not a winner.” The second ticket he scanned read, “Sign back of ticket. Redeem at Lottery.” A bit confused by the message, he asked a store clerk to check his ticket to see if she would receive the same message. And, she did. Much to their surprise, Appel’s Powerball ticket was worth $10,000!
Appel matched four numbers plus the Powerball on a $2 Quick Pick ticket, winning the cash prize. He was one number away from winning the Powerball jackpot. The winning Powerball numbers in the March 3 drawing were 29-30-45-47-49 Powerball 35. Appel’s winning numbers were 29-30-47-49-56 Powerball 35.
“My first thought when I realized how much I had won was, ‘This will pay for a semester and a half for my kids’ college tuition,’” said Appel. “Both of my kids attend KU and college is very expensive, so this will help a lot. When I called my wife Kim, she thought I was lying to her. It didn’t sink in with her until later that afternoon.”
After signing the back of his winning ticket, Appel put it in his wallet for safekeeping until he was able to claim his ticket at Lottery headquarters in Topeka.
“I kept the fact that I won low key,” said Appel. “I haven’t even told my kids because they’ll have other ideas on how to spend it besides using if for their tuition.”
Appel purchased his winning ticket at Kwik Shop 768, located at 8 N. Main St. in South Hutchinson. He plans to continue purchasing $2 Quick Pick Powerball tickets once a week. Maybe next time he’ll match all numbers and win a Powerball jackpot.
DATE: March 23, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
An Unforgettable Spring Break for Emporia Resident – Wins $20,000 Top Prize
TOPEKA, KAN. – After purchasing 10 Kansas Lottery $2 Bonus Crossword instant scratch tickets at the first of March, Virginia Smith set them aside to play later, but forgot about them. Wednesday evening, nearly three weeks later, she remembered the tickets and was shocked when she discovered one was worth $20,000! The Emporia resident revealed all 10 words on the eighth ticket she played, winning a top prize.
“My favorite lottery game is Bingo, but when I bought my tickets, I decided to try the Bonus Crossword game instead,” said Smith. “I started to buy five tickets and realized there were only a few left in the ticket dispenser, so I told the store clerk I would buy the rest. Looking back, I’m glad I bought all those tickets since I won on the eighth one.”
After realizing she had won a $20,000 top prize, Smith couldn’t believe what she was seeing and decided to wake up her husband Joseph at midnight, so he could take a look at the ticket.
“I told her it looked like a winner to me,” said Joseph. “We counted the words several times to be sure. I used to get mad because she bought lottery tickets, but now I’m keeping my mouth shut.”
Smith, who works for U.S.D. 253 in food service, has been enjoying spring break this week. After winning a $20,000 top prize, this spring break will be one she won’t soon forget.
“I can’t wait to return to work and share the good news with my coworkers,” said Smith. “I’m sure everyone will be surprised.”
The Smiths, who have been married 43 years, have two children and five grandchildren. When Lottery officials asked what they had planned to do with their winnings, they both agreed they would, “Give God His share by tithing to their church and pre-pay for their funeral arrangements.”
The winning ticket was purchased at Kwik Shop 734, located at 105 W. 12th Ave. in Emporia.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: March 26, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Luck Runs in the Family for Kiowa Residents
TOPEKA, KAN. – According to 18-year-old Jason Patrick, he had $100 burning a hole in his pocket on Saturday and decided to purchase five of the Kansas Lottery’s $100,000 Club instant scratch tickets. After scratching his tickets, the Kiowa resident now has $10,000 burning a hole in his pocket! Patrick won the $10,000 cash prize on the last ticket he scratched.
“I didn’t think it was real at first,” said Patrick. “There have been times when I’ve played tickets and thought I had won before, but come to find out I hadn’t. When I had a store clerk scan my ticket, I was surprised I had won this time.”
Winning with the Kansas Lottery seems to run in the family. Jason’s dad, Dennis, recently won a 47” HDTV in the Lottery’s TECH The Halls promotion.
“I only buy tickets once a week,” said Patrick. “My dad plays a lot more than I do, but it’s cool we both have won.”
Patrick, who started an auto glass business when he was 16 years old, plans to use his winnings to improve the business.
The winning ticket was purchased at the Little Store, located at 301 Main in Kiowa.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: March 26, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Lawrence Resident Beats Monday Morning Blues with $10,000 Win
TOPEKA, KAN. – Some folks may suffer from Monday morning blues, but not Mark Richardson, at least not today. The Lawrence resident checked his $10 Quick Pick Powerball ticket from the March 21 drawing and realized he was holding a ticket worth $10,000! Richardson, who matched four numbers plus the Powerball, was just one number away from winning the Powerball jackpot. The winning Powerball numbers in the March 21 drawing were 32-43-53-55-56 Powerball 06. Richardson’s winning numbers were 32-43-50-53-56 Powerball 06.
“I’m terrible at checking my tickets after the drawings,” said Richardson. “I had bought a ticket for Saturday’s drawing and while I was checking it, I remembered my ticket from Wednesday’s drawing. I checked my Saturday ticket first, but didn’t win anything. When I scanned my ticket from Wednesday’s drawing, I knew I had a winner but I assumed it was $100.”
One of Richardson’s coworkers was with him when he checked his tickets and was surprised when he said he had won $100.
“I told him I had won $100 and I was going to use the money to fill up my gas tank,” said Richardson. “When we got to work, we decided to look up the winning numbers and that’s when I realized I hadn’t won $100, but I had won $10,000! Needless to say, there were a lot of high fives.”
While on his way to Topeka to claim his prize, Richardson stopped by his wife’s office to share the good news.
“She was in a meeting, but came out to talk to me,” said Richardson. “She was very happy with the news. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to come with me to claim the prize, but I didn’t want to wait. What a great way to start a week!”
Richardson and his wife Megan, who have been married 20 years, have four children. The Lawrence residents plan to pay medical bills, go on a shopping spree and go out to dinner with their winnings.
The winning ticket was purchased at Woods Mini Mart 5, located at 920 N. 2nd St. in Lawrence.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
MEDIA ALERT Press Conference 10:45 a.m. Kansas Lottery Headquarters 128 North Kansas Avenue
DATE: March 31, 2012 CONTACT: Cara Sloan-Ramos (785) 296-5708; cell (785) 221-4108 [email protected]
Winning Mega Millions Jackpot Ticket Sold in Kansas
Topeka, Kan. – Kansas sold one of three winning tickets for last night’s record-breaking $640 million Mega Millions jackpot. The lucky ticket was purchased at a retail location in Northeast Kansas. Last night’s winning numbers were 2-4-23-38-46 and Mega Ball 23.
Kansas Lottery Executive Director Dennis Wilson will address the media this morning at 10:45.
Three lucky ticket holders in Kansas, Maryland and Illinois will share an estimated $640 million annuity prize or the cash value of approximately $462 million, the largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history. The three winning tickets matched all five numbers including the Megaball number.
"This exciting win really hits on the motto that “real people really win” and Kansas having a new multi-millionaire in this historic drawing is beyond remarkable,” said Wilson. "We are very much looking forward to hearing from our winner and greeting him or her.”
Kansas also sold a Match 5 winning ticket worth $250 thousand.
Mega Millions is played in 44 jurisdictions (42 states plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Drawings are held Tuesdays and Fridays at 10 p.m. Central Time.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
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DATE: April 5, 2012 CONTACT: Cara Sloan-Ramos (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
The Luck Continues in Kansas; Million Dollar Powerball Ticket Sold
Topeka, Kan. – Someone who bought a Powerball ticket in Northeast Kansas for last night’s drawing will lay claim to Kansas’ first Match 5 $1 million prize under the game’s new prize structure. Prior to January 15, 2012, Powerball players who matched all five white-ball numbers won $200,000, but, under recent game enhancements, that prize is now worth $1 million.
“We are so excited to have our first million dollar Powerball winner just days after we sold a record jackpot Mega Millions ticket. I keep saying ‘real people really win’ and the recent luck here in Kansas is proof. We can’t wait to greet our newest millionaire,” said Dennis Wilson, executive director for the Lottery.
In 2011, Kansas sold 10 Match 5 winning tickets for the then $200,000 prize. Wilson added, “If we would have awarded $1 million for every Match 5 in 2011, there would have been 10 additional millionaires in Kansas last year.”
Last night’s winning numbers were 1-24-33-45-49 and Powerball 6.
Key features for the new game are starting jackpots that doubled from $20 million to $40 million and a cash second prize that quintupled from $200,000 to $1 million. The Power Play option is still available for an extra $1 per play. Instead of randomly multiplying prizes by two to five times, Power Play now moves each prize level up by a set amount. The top prize of $1 million is doubled to $2 million and the $10,000 prize quadruples to $40,000. All other prizes are also increased (with the exception of the jackpot).
Powerball is played in 42 States, Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
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DATE: April 6, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Wichita Resident Claims $250,000 Mega Millions Prize!
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Wichita resident, who has asked to remain anonymous, has claimed the $250,000 Mega Millions cash prize from the March 30 drawing! The lucky winner matched the first five numbers, winning the cash prize. The winning numbers were 02- 04-23-38-46 Mega Ball 23. The winner’s winning numbers were 02-04-23-38-46 Mega Ball 37.
“I didn’t realize until yesterday I was holding a ticket worth $250,000,” said the winner. “I have a bad habit of not checking my tickets right away.”
In fact, the winner almost threw away his winning ticket without even checking to see if he had a winner.
“I figured I didn’t win anyway, so what was the point in checking my ticket?” said the winner. “I don’t recommend anyone doing that. Luckily, I decided to look up the winning numbers on the Internet.”
After realizing he had matched the first five Mega Millions numbers, the winner called Kansas Lottery headquarters in Topeka to confirm his win.
“When the Lottery official asked me if I was sitting down, I knew it must be real,” said the winner. “I can’t believe I won $250,000!”
The winner plans to save the winnings for retirement. The winning ticket was purchased at Johnson’s General 39, located at 5400 N. Meridian St. in Wichita.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: April 6, 2012 CONTACT: Cara Sloan-Ramos (785) 296-5708; cell (785) 221-4108 [email protected]
The Wait is Over! Kansas Resident Claims Share of World Record Mega Millions Jackpot
TOPEKA, KAN. – The winner of Kansas’ largest jackpot prize ever has claimed the $218.6 million share of the prize.
Kansas Lottery officials will hold a press conference today at 3:30 p.m. at Lottery Headquarters in Topeka.
No further details will be released prior to 3:30 p.m.
The $656 million total jackpot will be split by the holder of three winning tickets that matched all six numbers: 2-4-23-38-46 and the Mega Ball 23. Those tickets were bought in Kansas, Illinois and Maryland.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
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DATE: April 6, 2012 CONTACT: Cara Sloan-Ramos (785) 296-5708; cell (785) 221-4108 [email protected]
Kansas Lottery Introduces ‘Anonymous,’ the Mega Millions Multimillionaire
TOPEKA, KAN. – The winner of Kansas’ largest jackpot prize ever, Anonymous, was introduced this afternoon in a news conference held at Lottery headquarters in Topeka. The winner was one of three players nationwide to purchase a winning ticket in the world-record breaking $656 million Mega Millions jackpot drawing Friday, March 30, 2012. The Kansas winner plans to take the cash option, $157.9 million.
“We were so thrilled to meet with the winner earlier today and welcome the winner to the Kansas millionaire family. Even though the winner has elected to remain anonymous, there is great reason for celebration across the state. This jackpot is a mega win for not only the prize winner, but Lottery retailers as well as the State of Kansas,” said Dennis Wilson, Kansas Lottery Executive Director.
The jackpot will be split evenly among the holders of the three tickets that matched all six numbers: 2-4-23-38-46, Mega Ball 23. Those tickets were bought in Kansas, Illinois and Maryland.
The winner purchased the lucky jackpot-winning Mega Millions ticket at Casey’s General Store 2668, located at 940 N. Main St. in Ottawa. For selling a jackpot-winning ticket, Casey’s 2668 will receive a $10,000 selling bonus from the Kansas Lottery. Robert Pizzini, District Manager, was present at the press conference held today to accept the bonus check for the convenience store.
The winner had the choice of taking the annuity option of $218.6 million, which is paid in 26 installments, or the cash option of $157.9 million paid in one lump sum. After taxes the winner will receive a check for $110.5 million.
Federal income withholding taxes (25%) on the prize are $39,470,517.50; state income withholding taxes (5%) amount to $7,894,103.50; bringing the total taxes withheld to $47,364,621.00.
The jackpot amount was originally estimated at $640 million but with sales from all 44 Mega Millions jurisdictions calculated and totaled, the final jackpot amount for the drawing came to $656 million dollars. That record-shattering amount was the result of unprecedented sales in all jurisdictions where Mega Millions is played.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
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DATE: April 6, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Ottawa Residents Win $20,000 “Bonus”
TOPEKA, KAN. – Tuesday afternoon, after playing the Kansas Lottery’s $2 Bonus Crossword instant scratch game, Thomas Holland stopped at a convenience store to cash in what he thought was a $100 winning ticket. While standing in line at the store, Holland realized he had miscounted his words and had won $2,000. After further inspection of the ticket, the Ottawa resident discovered he had missed the letter “D,” which caused him to reveal all 10 words on his ticket, winning a $20,000 top prize!
“I was in shock,” said Holland. “I went to the store thinking I had won $100. I never expected to actually have a $20,000 winning ticket.”
Holland’s wife Pamela was in shock, too, when her husband came home with the good news.
“When he told me he had won $20,000, all I could say was, ‘You’re kidding me,’” said Pamela. “It was shocking news.”
After signing the back of the winning ticket, Holland put his ticket in a drawer for safekeeping. Although he knew the ticket was safe, he couldn’t help but worry and dream something had happened to it.
“I kept dreaming a mouse had eaten my ticket and I couldn’t claim it,” said Holland. “We don’t even have mice!”
Holland and Pamela, who have been married 43 years, have two grown children and five grandchildren with another one on the way. They plan to purchase a newer vehicle with his winnings as well as complete some home remodeling projects.
The winning ticket was purchased at Casey’s General Store 2362, located at 1019 W. 7th St. in Ottawa.
DATE: April 10, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Olathe Resident Finds “Winning Combination” – Wins $10,000 Cash Prize
TOPEKA, KAN. – After hearing his boss talk about his good fortune playing the Kansas Lottery’s 25th Anniversary Game Book, Steven Shirley decided to give the game book a try himself. The Olathe resident purchased one of the $20 tickets before going fishing yesterday afternoon and “caught” a cash prize worth $10,000!
“I bought the ticket before going fishing,” said Shirley. “I stuck the ticket in my cooler, went fishing and didn’t scratch it until evening. I bet I checked the ticket at least nine times before I was sure I had won $10,000.”
The Kansas Lottery’s 25th Anniversary Game Book offers players nine different puzzle games in one book. Shirley won his $10,000 cash prize playing the Winning Combination game.
“When I woke up my wife to show her the ticket, she thought I had one of those fake tickets,” said Shirley. “But, after looking at it she knew it wasn’t a fake ticket.”
After a restless night, the Olathe couple drove to Lottery headquarters in Topeka this morning to claim their prize.
“The only person we’ve told is my boss,” said Shirley, who works for American Eagle Outfitters. “We haven’t even told our three kids.”
Shirley and his wife Sandy, who have been married 30 years, plan to pay bills and “have a little fun” with their winnings.
The winning ticket was purchased at Hy-Vee Gas 2, located at 17901 W. 119th St. in Olathe.
DATE: April 4, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Clearwater Resident in the Winning “Club” with $10,000 Prize
TOPEKA, KAN. – Last Friday, while purchasing Mega Millions tickets for the record- breaking jackpot, Brian Christensen decided to purchase a few Kansas Lottery scratch tickets, too. Although he didn’t win on his Mega Millions tickets, the Clearwater resident won a $10,000 cash prize with the $120 he spent on $100,000 Club instant scratch tickets!
“I bought $100 in Mega Million tickets and $120 in the $100,000 Club game,” said Christensen. “I took my tickets home, sat on the porch and scratched them. I was really excited when I saw I had won $10,000. Out of the six scratch tickets I bought, I won two $40 prizes, one $20 prize, and then the big one. I wish I would have hit the Mega Millions jackpot, too.”
Christensen, a daily lottery player, has had good luck playing Kansas Lottery instant scratch games. In 2010, he won a $2,000 cash prize playing a $2 Bonus Crossword instant scratch game.
“When I buy scratch tickets, I usually buy the $20 games since they have higher top prizes,” said Christensen. “I’ve been playing since the Lottery started in 1987 and I can finally say I won a big prize!”
Christensen, who is single, plans to remodel his home with his winnings. He purchased the winning ticket at Casey’s General Store 2871, located at 152 N. 4th St. in Clearwater.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: April 11, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Take A Road Trip – Win a 2013 Winnebago® Access 231C RV
TOPEKA, KAN. – Planning to take a road trip this year? The Kansas Lottery is offering players a chance to win up to $75,000 instantly or a brand new luxury RV in a second- chance drawing to be held at this year’s Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson! The new $10 Road Trip instant scratch tickets will be shipped to retailers statewide this week.
The grand prize in the Road Trip second-chance drawing is a 2013 Winnebago Access 231C RV. The grand prize also includes mandatory state and federal income withholding taxes and other applicable taxes and fees for the vehicle. The total value of the prize is approximately $101,600!
To become eligible for the second-chance drawing, players should mail non-winning $10 Road Trip instant scratch tickets to:
Road Trip Kansas Lottery P.O. Box 5596 Topeka, KS 66605-0596
The second-chance drawing will take place September 16, 2012, at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. Mailed entries must be received no later than the morning mail pickup September 11, 2012. No later than 5 p.m. on this date, entries may also be deposited into any receptacle designated by the Lottery. Players may also deposit entries at the Kansas Lottery building during the Kansas State Fair from September 7 through 6 p.m. on September 16, 2012.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: April 11, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Kansas Lottery Commission to Meet Today
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Lottery Commission will hold its April meeting via teleconference at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, April, 11, 2012, at the Kansas Lottery Headquarters and Claims Center, located at 108 N. Kansas Ave., Topeka, Kan. The meeting is open to the public. The agenda for the meeting is attached.
Parties interested in listening to the Lottery Commission meeting may do so by accessing the conference line at the Lottery’s expense.
CONFERENCE CALL INSTRUCTIONS
Dial the Phone Number: (866) 620-7326 Enter this Conference Code when prompted: 8357016693#
NOTE: Nonparticipating callers, please mute your phone to reduce noise on the line and to allow for an orderly meeting. To mute your phone, press *6. To un-mute your phone, press #6.
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DATE: April 16, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Super Kansas Cash Jackpot worth $1,457,962 Hit in South Central Kansas!
TOPEKA, KAN. – Kansas Lottery players, check your tickets! One ticket matched all numbers in the April 14 Super Kansas Cash drawing, winning a jackpot prize worth $1,457,962 million! The winning numbers were 13-15-21-25-30 Cash Ball 14.
The lucky ticket was purchased in south central Kansas, which includes the following counties: Barton, Rice, McPherson, Marion, Stafford, Reno, Harvey, Pratt, Kingman, Sedgwick, Butler, Barber, Harper, Sumner and Cowley.
In addition to the jackpot-winning prize, two tickets matched the first five Super Kansas Cash numbers, each winning a $2,000 cash prize in the April 14 drawing. The tickets were sold in south central Kansas and northeast Kansas.
There are eight ways to win playing Super Kansas Cash. Players get two plays for $1 and prizes are paid in one lump sum. The game is played every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. The jackpot returned to $100,000 for tonight’s drawing.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: April 16, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Wichita Resident Claims $1,457,962 Super Kansas Cash Jackpot!
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Wichita resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, has claimed a Super Kansas Cash jackpot worth $1,457,962! The winner purchased a $1 Quick Pick ticket and matched all numbers in the April 14 Super Kansas Cash drawing. The winning numbers were 13-15-21-25-30 Cash Ball 14.
“Saturday afternoon before I went fishing, I purchased Powerball, Hot Lotto, and Super Kansas Cash tickets,” said the winner. “The next evening, I stopped at a convenience store to check my tickets on a Check-A-Ticket machine. When I scanned my Powerball and Hot Lotto tickets, the machine read, ‘Not a Winner.’ When I scanned my Super Kansas Cash ticket, the machine read, ‘Redeem at Lottery. Sign back of Ticket.’ I had never seen a message like that before, so I scanned the ticket a couple more times and got the same message each time.”
After returning home, the winner showed the winning ticket to his wife. After looking up the winning numbers in the paper, the Wichita resident realized they had matched all numbers on their Super Kansas Cash ticket, winning the jackpot.
“We were in disbelief when we realized how much we had won,” said the winner. “The reality of our win still hasn’t sunk in yet.”
After getting out of debt, the Wichita residents plan to purchase a new car, buy a bigger home, and the rest of their winnings will be invested. The jackpot-winning ticket was purchased at Benton Place, located at 815 N. Main in Benton.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: April 19, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
$20,000 Win a Big Surprise for Fort Scott Resident
TOPEKA, KAN. – A 26-year-old Fort Scott resident was in a “state of shock” after playing four $2 Bonus Crossword instant scratch tickets Tuesday evening. Amanda Shankland revealed all 10 words on the second ticket she played, winning a $20,000 top prize!
“I’m not usually a lucky person, so I was very surprised,” said Shankland of her win. “I kept checking and rechecking the ticket to make sure I hadn’t made a mistake.”
Since Shankland and her boyfriend Robert Harper live across the street from the convenience store where she purchased her tickets, the couple decided to walk back over to the store and have the ticket verified.
“The lottery machine didn’t say how much I had won, but it did say to sign the back of my ticket and redeem it at the Lottery,” said Shankland. “The store clerk thought I had probably won $2,000. I wasn’t sure, so we went back home and I used a Sharpie pen to mark off each word. That’s when we were convinced I had won $20,000.”
According to Shankland, Robert became very emotional with the good news, but the rest of her family thought she was joking.
“Robert cried after I was sure I had won $20,000,” said Shankland. “When I called my family they didn’t believe me and they still don’t believe me! This came at a great time, too. I was laid off work in February and I’m expecting a boy this summer.”
Shankland, who is expecting her third child in July, plans to use her winnings toward new items for the baby. She purchased the winning ticket at Pump N Pete’s 28, located at 1135 E. Wall in Fort Scott.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: April 24, 2012 CONTACT: Cara Sloan-Ramos (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Million Dollar Powerball Ticket Claimed Anonymously
Topeka, Kan. – A Topeka resident who wished to remain anonymous claimed the $1 million cash prize yesterday and became Kansas’ first Powerball Match 5 million dollar prize winner under the game’s new prize structure. Prior to January 15, 2012, Powerball players who matched all five white-ball numbers won $200,000, but, under recent game enhancements, that prize is now worth $1 million.
Winning numbers in the April 4 drawing were 1-24-33-45-49 and Powerball 6; the $1 million dollar winner matched the first five numbers.
The winning ticket was purchased at Dillon’s 87, located at 5311 SW 22nd Place in Topeka.
Key features for the new Powerball game are starting jackpots that doubled from $20 million to $40 million and a cash second prize that quintupled from $200,000 to $1 million. The Power Play option is still available for an extra $1 per play. Instead of randomly multiplying prizes by two to five times, Power Play now moves each prize level up by a set amount. The top prize of $1 million is doubled to $2 million and the $10,000 prize quadruples to $40,000. All other prizes are also increased (with the exception of the jackpot).
Powerball is played in 42 States, Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
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DATE: April 30, 2012 CONTACT: Cara Sloan-Ramos (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Country Stampede Discount Coupons Available with Mega Millions Purchase
TOPEKA, KAN. – The 94.5 Country Stampede is widely recognized as the top country music entertainment venue in the Midwest and the Kansas Lottery is once again offering its players discount coupons for the fun-filled weekend.
Beginning at 5 a.m. May 1, players who purchase $2 or more of Mega Millions with Megaplier on a single ticket will automatically receive a discount coupon to the four-day outdoor music festival June 21-24 at Tuttle Creek State Park near Manhattan. The coupon is valid for $15 off a one-day admission ticket or $30 off a four-day ticket. Information on how to redeem the discount coupon is printed on the voucher.
The promotion will end when 50,000 coupons are generated or May 15, 2012, whichever comes first.
This year’s Country Stampede will feature a star-studded lineup of recent Country Music Awards winners and nominees, hit recording artists and country music superstars like Billboard’s Top Country Music Artist of the Decade and multiplatinum selling megastar Toby Keith, Grammy Award-winning fan favorites Zac Brown Band, CMA New Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Single of the Year winners and sibling powerhouse The Band Perry, and platinum recording artist Luke Bryan.
For more information on the 94.5 Country Stampede and for the complete lineup of performers, visit www.countrystampede.com.
DATE: May 2, 2012 CONTACT: Cara S. Sloan-Ramos (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Lottery Partners with Kansas Recreation and Park Association to Promote State Parks New Lottery Ticket Features Artwork by Louis Copt
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Lottery has partnered with the Kansas Recreation and Park Association (KRPA) to promote the benefits of local and state parks in Kansas. “Art in the Park” lottery tickets will feature colorful park scenes painted by renowned landscape artist Louis Copt.
Each $2 ticket depicts a landscape from one of four parks in Kansas: Lake Shawnee in Topeka, Tuttle Creek State Park in Manhattan, Finnup Park in Garden City, and Eisenhower Park in Abilene.
“We view this partnership with the Kansas Lottery and Louis Copt as a terrific opportunity to promote the many recreational opportunities for individuals and families in Kansas parks and to remind everyone of the beauty and value they provide in local communities,” said KRPA Executive Director Doug Vance. “Louis Copt did a remarkable job in capturing a variety of park landscape scenes that accurately depict the many benefits available from a visit to a local or state park.”
Lottery Executive Director Dennis Wilson agrees with Vance and believes the launch of this game will “enhance tourism in Kansas by highlighting what Kansas parks are known for — variety and the unique amenities each one offers.”
Copt, who recently was honored as Kansas artist of the year, said “I was excited to be a part of this project. As a native Kansan, an artist and photographer, I’ve traveled the state and have an understanding of the importance of parks and opportunities they offer for everyone.” He added, “I wanted to make sure our paintings reflected people using them and enjoying what they offer.”
“Art in the Park” tickets are being sent to approximately 1,800 Kansas Lottery retailers across the state this week. The second-chance drawing is schedule for October 26, 2012.
In the drawing, four lucky players will each win a grand prize of one original Copt painting of a Kansas park featured on the tickets, including mandatory state and federal income withholding taxes, bringing the total value of each painting prize package to approximately $11,600.
To become eligible for the second-chance drawing, players may deposit non-winning $2 Art in the Park tickets into any receptacle designated by the Lottery or mail non-winning tickets to:
Art in the Park Drawing Kansas Lottery P.O. Box 3561 Topeka, KS 66601-3561
Mailed entries must be received by the morning mail pickup October 23, 2012. No later than 5 p.m. on this date, deposited entries must also be received by the Lottery. Players may enter the drawing as often as they wish, but may only win one prize package.
For more information on the “Art in the Park” second-chance drawing, visit www.kslottery.com or see back of tickets.
DATE: May 7, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Dream Comes True for Abilene Resident – Wins $10,000 Top Prize
TOPEKA, KAN. – According to David Meysenburg, he has always dreamed of winning the Lottery. To ensure he had a chance, Meysenburg’s girlfriend, Amy Wycoff, purchases tickets to give to him each week. The Abilene resident’s dream came true last Thursday when he revealed a $10,000 top prize playing the Kansas Lottery’s $2 Choot ‘Em® instant scratch game!
“Amy is the nicest person I know,” said Meysenburg. “For the last couple of years, she has bought tickets for me and kept assuring me I was going to win someday. When I realized I had won $10,000, I thought it was a joke. I honestly didn’t believe I had won until I claimed my prize.”
Not only does Amy buy tickets for Meysenburg, but she also sends other people Kansas Lottery $1 instant scratch games anonymously with positive messages attached to the tickets.
“If you don’t play, you can’t win,” said Amy, who accompanied Meysenburg to Lottery headquarters in Topeka. “It’s fun to try and lift someone’s spirit with a lottery ticket and positive message. I knew one of these days, David would win. He never buys tickets himself, so I made sure he always had the chance to win.”
Meysenburg, who owns and operates Meysenburg Liquor in Abilene, plans to buy something special for Amy with part of his winnings. The rest he said will be invested.
The winning ticket was purchased at West Plaza Country Mart, located at 1900 N. Buckeye Ave. in Abilene.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: May 31, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Wichita NASCAR® Fan Wins $25,000 Top Prize
TOPEKA, KAN. – On a whim Saturday, Cheree LaForest decided to purchase five of the $5 Kansas Lottery Officially Licensed NASCAR® instant scratch tickets. Being a NASCAR® fan, she was hoping to win a VIP racing weekend prize package for two at Kansas Speedway® in October during a second-chance drawing. However, instead of sending in her non-winning NASCAR® tickets for the drawing, the Wichita resident was shocked to discover she had revealed a $25,000 top prize on the last ticket she purchased!
“I buy tickets about once a week,” said LaForest. “I’ve been playing the 25th Anniversary Cruise game. I would love to win a cruise, but the NASCAR® ticket caught my eye, so I gave it a try.”
After taking her tickets home to scratch, the Wichita resident couldn’t believe her good fortune.
“I’ve never won anything bigger than $100,” said LaForest. “Now we can pay off medical bills. I still want to win one of the cruise prize packages though. My husband, Jeremy, and I have been married a year, but didn’t go on a honeymoon. A cruise would be awesome, or I wouldn’t mind winning one of the 2012 MLB® prize packages.”
After claiming her $25,000 top prize Tuesday morning at Lottery headquarters in Topeka, LaForest entered non-winning tickets for the 25th Anniversary Cruise second- chance drawing and the 2012 MLB® All-Star Game® second-chance drawing. We hope her luck continues by winning a second-chance drawing prize package and she gets to go on a belated honeymoon.
LaForest, who has an eight month old son, purchased her winning ticket at Dillons 65, located at 3211 S. Seneca St. in Wichita.
DATE: May 8, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Kansas Lottery Commission to Meet May 9
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Lottery Commission will hold its May meeting via teleconference at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 9, 2012, at the Kansas Lottery Headquarters and Claims Center, located at 108 N. Kansas Ave., Topeka, Kan. The meeting is open to the public. The agenda for the meeting is attached.
Parties interested in listening to the Lottery Commission meeting may do so by accessing the conference line at the Lottery’s expense.
CONFERENCE CALL INSTRUCTIONS
Dial the Phone Number: (866) 620-7326 Enter this Conference Code when prompted: 8357016693#
NOTE: Nonparticipating callers, please mute your phone to reduce noise on the line and to allow for an orderly meeting. To mute your phone, press *6. To un-mute your phone, press #6.
###
DATE: May 8, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Abilene Resident Wins Big with Blackout Bingo
TOPEKA, KAN. – The last time 62-year-old Abilene resident Larry Kopka played Bingo it was in a Bingo Hall and he won a turkey. Though delicious, Larry likes what he won playing a Kansas Lottery $2 Blackout Bingo instant scratch ticket a little better. He won a top prize of $10,000!
Kopka usually plays Crossword instant scratch tickets about once a day. He’s won what he considers “big” a few times before.
“I won $500 about three times,” said Kopka. “Usually, I win enough to keep even and keep playing. I’m pretty lucky.”
His wife Janet nodded in agreement next to him when claiming his $10,000 top prize at Kansas Lottery Topeka headquarters.
“Believe me, he is lucky,” said Janet. “We were surprised it took him this long to hit it big.”
Kopka has been playing Kansas Lottery games since the Lottery began 25 years ago. His favorite games to play are tickets with extended play like Bonus Crossword and Blackout Bingo.
“You feel like you’re getting your money’s worth,” said Kopka. “I like to sit down and take my time to play.”
Kopka plans on switching back to Crossword tickets after this win. He wrecked his motorcycle last September, and hopes to use some of the money to trade in his old one and purchase a newer one. He’s also going to do some nice things for his family.
The winning ticket was purchased at Corner Stop, located at 102 S. Buckeye in Abilene.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: May 8, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
One Last Gamble Pays Off Big for Olathe Resident
TOPEKA, KAN. – After a night of playing a weekly poker game with his friends, 39-year- old Olathe resident Matthew Braswell decided to try his luck one last time and buy a Kansas Lottery instant scratch ticket.
“My best friend Dusty and I decided to get a few tickets,” said Braswell. “I usually get the $5 tickets and he gets the $20 tickets, but I decided to spend the last of my cash on a $10 ticket.”
Braswell picked the $10 Club Casino instant scratch game, and it paid off. He won $10,000!
“I can’t repeat my friend’s exact words here, but he couldn’t believe it,” said Braswell. “I went home and woke my wife up, she didn’t believe it either.”
Braswell revealed a “Dice” symbol that doubles the prize amount shown. The prize amount showing was $5,000, doubling Bailey’s winnings to $10,000.
When asked if he would continue playing the Lottery, Braswell said, “I had to play the rest of my winners out before I came in. I also won $100 on a $1 Donkey Doubler instant scratch game. The next time you see me I’ll be in to claim my Powerball winnings.”
Braswell and his wife of 13 years have two children. He plans on doing something nice for his family with the winnings. He purchased his winning ticket at QuikTrip 182, located at 1301 Santa Fe in Olathe.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: May 16, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Olathe Resident Hits 8-Spot Keno with Progressive Jackpot Winning $21,980!
TOPEKA, KAN. – An Olathe resident was quite surprised Monday afternoon when he checked his 8-Spot Keno ticket. Kelly Skeels, 46, matched all eight numbers on an 8- Spot Keno ticket, winning the top prize of $10,000. Since he matched all numbers playing the game, he also won the progressive jackpot worth $11,980, bringing his total winnings to $21,980!
Players who purchase a 6, 7, or 8-Spot Keno ticket are eligible to win a progressive jackpot when matching all numbers in each game to win even bigger prizes!
“I play Keno a few times a week,” explained Skeels. “I usually play a 6-Spot, but since the progressive jackpot was higher for the 8-Spot, I decided to play it. I wasn’t even paying attention to the numbers when they came up. The bartender told everyone in the bar it looked like someone had hit the jackpot. We didn’t think it would be any of us.”
After checking his ticket on a Check-A-Ticket machine, Skeels was beginning to wonder if in fact, he had the winning ticket.
“The machine read, ‘Sign back of Ticket’ and that got me to wondering if I did have the ticket,” said Skeels. “I asked the bartender to check my ticket again and sure enough, I was holding the winner. After calling my wife and a few other friends, I bought a round of drinks and lunch for the four people in the bar. I also gave the bartender a big tip for selling me the ticket.”
Skeels, who purchased a $20 ticket for 20 consecutive games, picked his own winning numbers. The winning numbers were 13, 14, 17, 27, 47, 62, 63, and 64.
“I always play 13, 17 and 27,” said Skeels. “The other numbers were lucky guesses.”
Skeels and his wife Sandy, who have been married 24 years, have two children. He was undecided how he would spend his winnings.
The winning ticket was purchased at Double Nickel Bar & Grill, located at 189 S. Rogers Rd. in Olathe.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: May 22, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Special Occasions bring Luck to Paola Resident
TOPEKA, KAN. – Special occasions seem to be the best time for Keith Crawford, Jr., to purchase Kansas Lottery tickets. In February 2007, the 31-year-old Paola resident won a $75,000 top prize playing a $10 instant scratch game on his dad’s birthday. He’s also won two $1,000 cash prizes playing instant scratch games on other family members’ birthdays. To top it all off, Crawford purchased a $20 Tax Free Cash instant scratch ticket last Friday, winning a $10,000 cash prize the day his fiancée, Courtney Ferris, graduated from Fort Scott State University.
“Special occasions must bring me luck,” said Crawford. “I’m starting to get quite a collection of big checks to hang on my wall.”
Each time Crawford claims a lottery prize, he makes sure to get a faux oversized check to keep as a memento of his win. After claiming his $10,000 cash prize today, he’ll have one more to add to the four he already has hanging on his wall.
“We have a lot to celebrate,” said Crawford. “Courtney just graduated, I proposed to her on Saturday, and we have a baby due in August. Winning $10,000 was a nice topper.”
The Paola resident purchases instant scratch tickets two or three times a week and always plays the Lottery’s $10 or $20 games.
“I seem to have the best luck with the higher priced games, plus you can win bigger prizes,” said Crawford. “I would say, so far I’m ahead.”
Crawford and his fiancée Courtney, who plan to marry in September 2013, plan to invest his winnings. The winning ticket was purchased at 5 Corners Mini Mart, located at 1124 S. Clark in Fort Scott.
DATE: May 29, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Colby Resident Wins $142,860 Tax Free Cash!
TOPEKA, KAN. – While checking his Powerball and Super Kansas Cash tickets at a local grocery store on May 17, Sherman Van Horn decided to try his luck playing a Kansas Lottery $20 Tax Free Cash instant scratch game. Although he didn’t win on his Powerball or Super Kansas Cash tickets, the Colby resident did win a “Tax Free Cash” top prize worth $142,860!
“When I was checking my tickets, I asked the gal behind the counter what number the game was on,” explained Van Horn. “She said the game was on ticket number 12 and I thought that sounded like a good number, so I bought one ticket.”
Van Horn was right! Ticket 12 was a good number. The Colby resident revealed five identical symbols in a row on Game Five, winning the $142,860 top prize! The $20 Tax Free Cash instant scratch game offers players a chance to win up to 26 times on 10 games.
“I couldn’t believe it,” said Van Horn. “I was shooting the breeze with a friend while I was scratching my ticket and asked him to take a look to make sure I was seeing things right. When he agreed it looked like I had won a top prize, I went to show my wife, Linda, who was waiting for me in the parking lot. When I showed her the ticket, she couldn’t believe it either.”
“I thought he was kidding me,” said Linda Van Horn. “He’s always play jokes. I used to fuss at him for buying $20 tickets, but I’m not going to say a word anymore.”
After signing the back of his winning ticket, Van Horn placed it in a home safe until he was able to make the trip to Lottery headquarters in Topeka.
“I wasn’t really nervous having the ticket at home,” said Van Horn. “I knew it was in a safe place, but I still kept an eye on it.”
The Van Horns, who have been married 41 years, have one daughter. After tithing 10 percent of their winnings to their church, the couple plans to pay off their daughter’s student loans and purchase a newer truck.
The winning ticket was purchased at Dillons 50, located at 1605 S. Range Ave. in Colby.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: May 31, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Gardner Resident Wins Third Large Prize Playing Kansas Lottery Games!
TOPEKA, KAN. – Winning a large Kansas Lottery prize is nothing new to Tracy and Tim Schnagl of Gardner. Last year, Tim won a $5,000 cash prize playing a $5 Super Red Hot Crossword instant scratch game. In 2008, Tracy won two large prizes. She also won a $5,000 cash prize playing a Super Red Hot Crossword instant scratch game and a $10,000 top prize playing Bubble Bucks 3. On May 25, she returned to Lottery headquarters in Topeka with her husband to claim a $50,000 top prize playing a $5 Super Red Hot Crossword instant scratch ticket!
“I bought three tickets May 24,” explained Schnagl. “When I realized I had revealed all six ‘red words’ on my ticket, I started shaking. I couldn’t believe it.”
By revealing all six red words on one of her $5 tickets, Schnagl won a $50,000 top prize.
“When I told Tim how much I had won, I said, ‘We’re making another trip to Topeka. I just won $50,000!’” said Schnagl. “He was surprised by the news.”
According to the Schnagls, they play Kansas Lottery games daily.
“Since I’m an avid lottery player, my advice to other players would be to always play the entire game,” said Schnagl. “I have seen so many people place half scratched tickets in the trash. If it’s partially scratched, how do they know it’s not a winning ticket?”
The Schnagls, who have been married 30 years, have two children and three grandchildren. After paying bills and buying a newer truck, they plan to purchase a trampoline for their grandchildren with their winnings.
The winning ticket was purchased at Presto 1606, located at 905 E. Santa Fe in Gardner.
DATE: June 1, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Three Lucky Players Each Win 2012 MLB® All-Star Game® Prize Packages
TOPEKA, KAN. – Three lucky Kansas Lottery players have each won a prize package fit for an “all-star” in the 2012 MLB® All-Star Game® second-chance drawing held today at Lottery headquarters in Topeka.
The grand prize winner is Elizabeth Decoursey of Overland Park. Decoursey and one guest will receive tickets to the MLB® Taco Bell® All-Star Sunday™ game, Gatorade™ All- Star Workout Day™ featuring the State Farm™ Home Run Derby®, and the MLB® All-Star Game® in July. The prize package also includes one-double occupancy hotel room, $1,000 cash, a 2012 MLB® All-Star Game® gift bag, and all mandatory state and federal income withholding taxes. The grand prize is valued at approximately $7,400.
Mike Steinert of Hoisington and Dixie Labrue of Goddard each won secondary prizes in the drawing. Steinert and Labrue, along with their guest, will each receive tickets to the 2012 MLB® All-Star Game® in July, one double-occupancy hotel room, $300 cash, a 2012 MLB® All-Star Game® gift bag, and all mandatory state and federal withholding taxes. The two secondary prizes are each valued at approximately $3,000.
Players who mailed non-winning $2 MLB® All-Star Game® tickets became eligible for the second-chance drawing. There were approximately 24,000 entries in today’s drawing.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: June 4, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Linwood Resident Woke Up Feeling Lucky – Wins $20,000 Top Prize
TOPEKA, KAN. – Whenever Tina Koci feels luck is on her side, she buys a Kansas Lottery ticket. Last Friday, she was feeling lucky and asked her sister Laura to buy her a $2 Bonus Crossword instant scratch ticket since she was at work. It’s a good thing Koci listened to her “feeling.” The Linwood resident revealed all 10 words on her ticket, winning a $20,000 top prize!
“I’m not much of a gambler, but when I feel lucky I always buy a ticket,” said Koci. “If I dream about numbers, I usually buy a Powerball ticket. When I woke up Friday, I decided I better buy a ticket, but since I was at work Laura bought me a ticket and scratched it for me.”
While Koci was on her lunch break, Laura called with the good news.
“When she called and said I had won $20,000, I couldn’t believe it,” said Koci. “I was trembling with the news. I was never worried for a second she would be dishonest with me and claim the ticket herself. We always share prizes when we win.”
Before Koci had the chance to see the ticket for herself, her fiancé Ronnie, had a photo of the ticket posted on his Facebook page.
“I had friends and family calling me asking if it were true,” said Koci. “Everyone thought he was playing a joke.”
Koci, who recently graduated with a criminal justice degree, plans to pay bills, build a new garage on her property, and buy another Bonus Crossword ticket with her winnings. And, of course, she is sharing half of her prize with her sister.
The winning ticket was purchased at Lake Stop, located at 15621 158th St. in Bonner Springs.
DATE: June 5, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Design the Next Kansas Lottery T-Shirt!
TOPEKA, KAN. – Beginning June 6, the Kansas Lottery is giving its players a chance to design a lottery t-shirt to be given away as a prize during the Kansas State Fair in September! Participants must be 18 years or older and an active member of the Kansas Lottery’s Players Club. Lottery employees will select from finalist from the design entries and post them to the contest site on Players Club July 11, 2012. Players Club members will vote for their favorite design. Prizes will be awarded to the top two designers.
In order to qualify for the contest, players must use the Kansas Lottery’s logo in the design. Participants can download the logo and read all rules and specifications regarding the contest on the contest page at www.kslottery/PlayersClub. The designer’s whose artwork is selected as a finalist is required to submit the original design files to ensure compliance with the guidelines and suitability for reproduction. Participants may enter as many designs as they wish.
The first place winner will receive $300 cash, $300 worth of the 25th Anniversary Road Trip instant scratch tickets and a case of t-shirts with their design. The second place winner will also receive $300 worth of the 25th Anniversary Road Trip instant scratch tickets. Participants must submit designs to [email protected] by noon July 3, 2012.
Players Club members will vote for their favorite design beginning July 11 through noon July 25. Votes may be submitted once per day. The Kansas Lottery will announce the top two winners July 26, 2012.
For more information on the Design the Next Kansas Lottery T-Shirt contest, visit the Kansas Lottery’s Players Club at www.kslottery.com/PlayersClub.
DATE: June 09, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Four Lucky Players Get to Set Sail on A Caribbean Cruise!
TOPEKA, KAN. – Four lucky Kansas Lottery players will set sail on an 8-day, 7-night Royal Caribbean International® cruise for two! The winners were drawn in the 25th Anniversary Cruise second-chance drawing held today at the Lottery’s selling location at Wichita’s Riverfest.
The four winners are:
Terry Busing of Shawnee Duane E. Jacobs of Wichita Jacque Doody of Ford Tasha McCoy of Pittsburg
Each grand prize includes lodging for two in an ocean view balcony stateroom on the Oasis of the Sea, Allure of the Seas, or comparable vessel; first-class round trip airfare from Kansas City, Mo. to Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.; round trip ground transfers to and from the airport to the ship; $1,000 in ship credit for entertainment and excursions; $500 cash; hotel accommodations before departure; a luggage set; and mandatory state and federal income withholding taxes and other applicable initial fees for the prize. Each cruise prize package is valued at approximately $19,600.
Entries for the drawing were non-winning $5 Kansas Lottery Cruise instant scratch tickets. The guest draw official, who picked the winning entries, was Joe Johnson, serving as this year’s Admiral Windwagon Smith for the 2012 Riverfest. Congratulations to the winners!
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: June 13, 2012 CONTACT: Cara Sloan-Ramos (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Kansas Lottery Commission to Meet June 13
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Lottery Commission will hold its June meeting in person at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 13, 2012, at the Kansas Lottery Headquarters and Claims Center, located at 108 N. Kansas Ave., Topeka, Kan. The meeting is open to the public. The agenda for the meeting is attached.
Parties interested in listening to the Lottery Commission meeting may do so by accessing the conference line at the Lottery’s expense.
CONFERENCE CALL INSTRUCTIONS
Dial the Phone Number: (866) 620-7326 Enter this Conference Code when prompted: 8357016693#
NOTE: Nonparticipating callers, please mute your phone to reduce noise on the line and to allow for an orderly meeting. To mute your phone, press *6; to unmute your phone, press #6.
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DATE: June 22, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
19-Year-Old Conway Springs Resident wins $25,000 “Cash”
TOPEKA, KAN. – A 19-year-old Conway Springs resident received a big surprise Wednesday morning worth $25,000 after playing the Kansas Lottery’s $5 Cash Farmer instant scratch game. Seth Tarrant, who purchased the winning ticket last Saturday, couldn’t believe his good fortune.
“I purchased two different $5 tickets last Saturday, laid them on the dash of my car and didn’t scratch them until Wednesday,” said Tarrant.
Wednesday morning, while waiting for his boss, Tarrant noticed the tickets sitting on his dash and decided he better scratch them. When he realized he had won a $25,000 top prize playing Cash Farmer, he couldn’t believe it.
“I can’t believe that ticket laid on my dash for days,” said Tarrant. “Luckily, nothing happened to it. After I realized how much I had won, I double checked it several times and took it to two convenience stores for verification. Once I was pretty sure I had won, I called my mom with the good news.”
Although Tarrant’s mom, Elaine, was thrilled with the news, she was a little hesitant in believing her son had actually won a top prize.
“I told him not to tell anyone just in case it wasn’t a big winner,” said Elaine, who accompanied Tarrant to Lottery headquarters in Topeka to claim his prize. “I was afraid he might have read it wrong and it would end up being a $25 winner.”
Now that the winning ticket has been officially verified as a $25,000 winner, Tarrant looks forward to calling friends with the good news.
“I can’t wait to tell my friends I just won $25,000,” said Tarrant. “It’s still hard to believe.”
Tarrant, who attends Bethel College in Newton, was undecided how he would spend his winnings.
His winning ticket was purchased at Casey’s General Store 2952, located at 201 N. 5th St. in Conway Springs.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: June 22, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Fort Scott Resident Stops for Gas – Leaves with $10,000 Winning Ticket
TOPEKA, KAN. – While pre-paying for gas Wednesday night at a convenience store in Pittsburg, Fort Scott resident John Gander decided to purchase a few instant scratch tickets. Of the eight different games he purchased, one was the Kansas Lottery’s $2 Art in the Park ticket. Having never seen the ticket before, Gander decided to try his luck. As he was pumping gas and scratching the ticket, the 24-year-old was shocked to discover he had won a 10,000 top prize playing the game.
“My first thought was ‘No way. My luck is never this good,’” said Gander. “I immediately went back into the store and asked the clerk to check it for me. When she verified how much I had won, I put the ticket in my billfold and had a very sleepless night.”
The next day, Gander returned to work where his co-workers were shocked to learn he had won $10,000.
“No one believed me until I showed them the winning ticket,” said Gander. “I had several people at work ask why I hadn’t taken the day off to claim my prize. I figured I would wait until my next day off, which was today.”
According to Gander, he plays Kansas Lottery instant scratch games a couple times a week.
“I buy tickets usually when I stop for gas,” said Gander. “Although, I did try my luck again yesterday with the Art in the Park tickets, but didn’t have any luck.”
Gander, who is single, works for ADM Biodiesel. He was undecided how he would spend his winnings, but thought most would go toward a down payment on a house.
The winning ticket was purchased at Casey’s General Store 2893, located at 2912 N. Broadway in Pittsburg.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: July 2, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
$1 Million Powerball Ticket Sold in South Central Kansas!
TOPEKA, KAN. – A lucky Kansas Lottery player is holding a Powerball ticket worth $1 million! The player matched the first five Powerball numbers in the June 30 drawing, winning the cash prize. The winning numbers were 07-15-20-41-44 Powerball 22.
The lucky ticket was purchased in south central Kansas, which includes the following counties: Barton, Rice, McPherson, Marion, Stafford, Reno, Harvey, Pratt, Kingman, Sedgwick, Butler, Barber, Harper, Sumner and Cowley.
This is Kansas’ second Powerball Match 5 $1 million prize under the game’s new prize structure, which began January 15, 2012. The first Match 5 $1 million prize was claimed in April by a Topeka resident who wished to remain anonymous.
Since no one hit the jackpot on June 30, Powerball continues to climb for the July 4 drawing. The estimated annuity jackpot is worth $60 million with a cash option of $39.7 million. Powerball is played in 42 States, Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: July 3, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
U.S. Air Force Veteran Claims $1 Million Match 5 Powerball Prize!
TOPEKA, KAN. – United States Air Force veteran, Matthew Packebush of Hutchinson, has claimed a Match 5 Powerball cash prize worth $1 million! Kansas’ newest millionaire purchased a $2 Quick Pick ticket, matching the first five Powerball numbers in the June 30 drawing. The winning numbers were 07-15-20-41-44 Powerball 22. Packebush’s winning numbers were 07-15-20-41-44 Powerball 10.
Although the Hutchinson resident missed winning the Powerball jackpot by one number, he is thrilled to have won a $1 million cash prize.
“Shortly after the drawing, I looked up the winning numbers on my phone,” said Packebush. “When I realized I had matched all five numbers on my ticket, I called my Mom. She doesn’t like getting calls late at night, but I had to tell her the news. When she answered the phone, she thought something was wrong. When I told her I thought I had won the Lottery, she couldn’t believe it.”
The 34-year-old winner, who has been remodeling his home, decided to go to a nearby convenience store to have his winning ticket verified.
“When I scanned my ticket, the machine said the Powerball results weren’t in yet, so I went home and looked up the winning numbers again,” said Packebush. “At that point, I was pretty sure I had matched all five numbers. I decided I had better sign the back of my ticket, but couldn’t find a pen anywhere. I drove back to the store where I bought the ticket and asked for a pen.”
After signing the back of his winning ticket, Packebush said he kept a death grip on it, not wanting it out of his sight. After a sleepless night, he went to a local grocery store where he purchased Ziploc bags and clear tape. Knowing he had to wait until Monday to claim his prize, Packebush placed his winning ticket in a Ziploc bag and taped it to his chest. “I didn’t want to take a chance of losing it,” said Packebush. “That’s a lot of money!”
According to Packebush, he doesn’t play Kansas Lottery games often, only when he can fit it in his budget.
“I play when I can afford to,” said Packebush. “My advice for other players is, don’t get discouraged because winning is a very wonderful thing.”
Packebush, who has three children, plans to purchase a new truck with his winnings, start college funds for his children and invest the rest in real estate.
The winning ticket was purchased at Kwik Shop 774, located at 1401 E. 17th St. in Hutchinson.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: July 3, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Lenexa Resident “New Royalty” with $10,000 Win
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Lenexa resident is feeling like royalty after winning a $10,000 top prize last Sunday. Frederick Owens, 51, purchased an entire pack of the Kansas Lottery’s $2 New Royalty instant scratch game, which is a total of 150 tickets, winning a top prize. He also won an additional $250 in smaller prizes playing the game!
“I have never purchased a full pack of tickets before,” said Owens. “I was getting a little nervous thinking I wasn’t going to win. When I scratched ticket number 37, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I had actually won a top prize!”
After immediately signing the back of his winning ticket, Owens walked to a nearby Kansas Lottery retailer to have his ticket verified.
“I knew as soon as the Lottery terminal read, “Sign back of Ticket. Redeem at Lottery” there was no mistake in me winning,” said Owens. “Too top it all off, I also won another $250.”
Owens, who is single, plans to pay bills and purchase a newer vehicle with his winnings.
The winning ticket was purchased at Circle K 6159, located at 12420 W. 95th St. in Lenexa.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: September 7, 2012 CONTACT: Cara Sloan-Ramos (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
40 Kansas Lottery Players Win NASCAR® VIP Racing Experience Prize Package
TOPEKA, KAN. – Forty Kansas Lottery players have each won a Kansas Speedway VIP Racing Experience prize package for the October NASCAR® races. The 40 winners were drawn today in the officially licensed NASCAR® online-only second-chance drawing offered exclusively to Kansas Lottery Players Club members.
The lucky winners will each receive VIP grand prize packages which include two tickets for the October 19-21, 2012, NASCAR® sanctioned races at Kansas Speedway, one double-occupancy hotel room, transportation between the hotel and Kansas Speedway, food and other amenities at the Kansas Lottery chalet inside Kansas Speedway, $400 cash and mandatory state and federal income withholding taxes. Each racing prize package is valued at approximately $4,400.
The 40 winners are: Dixie Labrue, Goddard Terry Busing, Shawnee Taylor Murphy, Overland Park Betty Baker, Arkansas City Elisabeth Kanitz, Wichita Pam Seastrom, Topeka Amy Wilson, Wichita Stephanie Franklin, Girard Lisa Entrikin, Hiawatha Brenda Willard, Eskridge Franklin Hsu, Haysville Ana Thomas, Derby Sherry Larson, Friend Deb Cochran, Shawnee Patricia Hemken, Great Bend Carlson Smith, Gypsum Stacey Rawls, Leavenworth Barbara Austin, Emporia Neahmiah Wilson, Spring Hill Valerie Thomas, Wichita Kevin Myers, Hoisington Gary Ralston, Wichita James Adams, Lansing Michael Cypert, Wellington Becky Riel, Wichita Leisa Mauch, Cunningham Richard Segraves, Wichita Edward VanTrump, Blue Springs, Mo. Kristi Hottman, Abilene Cherryl Myers, Wichita James Bigelow, Hurst, Tex. Rick Linebarger, Goddard Bob Curtis, Winfield Diane Law, Dodge City Patrick Davis, Lawrence Eddie Arredondo II, Topeka Debra Shoemaker, LaCygne Jim Richard, Emporia Chris Marshall, McLouth Anne Tibbetts, Mulvane
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
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DATE: July 9, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Texas Residents Home for a Visit Win $10,000 Top Prize
TOPEKA, KAN. – Texas residents, Jayme and Bud Williams, made a trip to Topeka last Friday to visit Jayme’s family. While making a pit stop in Yates Center, Jayme purchased five different $2 Kansas Lottery instant scratch tickets. As they continued their journey to Topeka, Jayme scratched the tickets she purchased. Much to their surprise, Jayme revealed a $10,000 top prize playing the $2 Grease instant scratch game!
“When we stopped in Yates Center, Bud gave me $10 to purchase lottery tickets,” said Jayme. “I told him it would be a waste of money since we never win, but he insisted I buy a few.”
Jayme is glad her husband insisted she purchase the tickets.
“I scratched the Grease ticket last,” said Jayme. “When I realized we had won $10,000, all I could say was, ‘Oh my God! Oh my God!’”
After explaining she thought they had just won a $10,000 top prize, Jayme showed the winning ticket to Bud, who pulled over to take a look at the ticket.
“Once he looked at the ticket and confirmed I had read the ticket right, we hugged and kissed,” said Jayme. “We decided to take a picture of the ticket so we could send it to my parents. They were very surprised we had won and were very happy for us.”
The Williams’, who were supposed to go home Sunday, decided to stay an extra day in order to claim their prize at Lottery headquarters in Topeka.
“I can’t think of a better reason to stay an extra day,” said Jayme.
The couple, who has been married 10 years and has two children, plan to use their winnings for home improvements.
The winning ticket was purchased at Pump N Pete’s 29, located at 301 S. Fry in Yates Center.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: September 11, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Kansas Lottery Commission to Meet September 12
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Lottery Commission will hold its September meeting in person at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 12, 2012, at the Kansas Lottery Headquarters and Claims Center, located at 108 N. Kansas Ave., Topeka, Kan. The meeting is open to the public. The agenda for the meeting is attached.
Parties interested in listening to the Lottery Commission meeting may do so by accessing the conference line at the Lottery’s expense.
CONFERENCE CALL INSTRUCTIONS
Dial the Phone Number: (866) 620-7326 Enter this Conference Code when prompted: 8357016693#
NOTE: Nonparticipating callers, please mute your phone to reduce noise on the line and to allow for an orderly meeting. To mute your phone, press *6; to unmute your phone, press #6.
###
DATE: July 16, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Wichita Resident Wins a 2012 GMC Crossover Terrain in Lottery Promotion
TOPEKA, KAN. – A lucky Kansas Lottery player has won a 2012 GMC Crossover Terrain in the Crossover to the Future promotion held Saturday, July 14, at the 3i Show in Dodge City.
The winner is Linda Tillman of Wichita. Tillman’s grand prize also includes mandatory state and federal income withholding taxes, plus all applicable taxes and fees for the vehicle, bringing the total value of the grand prize to nearly $51,899.
Players who purchased $3 or more of Powerball with Power Play on a single ticket March 2 through July 7, 2012, received an entry form for the 2012 GMC Crossover Terrain drawing. Tickets were also sold on site at the 3i SHOW July 12, 13 and 14. There were approximately 108,000 entries received for the drawing.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: July 17, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Kansas Lottery Commission to Meet July 18
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Lottery Commission will hold its July meeting via teleconference at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 18, 2012, at the Kansas Lottery Headquarters and Claims Center, located at 108 N. Kansas Ave., Topeka, Kan. The meeting is open to the public. The agenda for the meeting is attached.
Parties interested in listening to the Lottery Commission meeting may do so by accessing the conference line at the Lottery’s expense.
CONFERENCE CALL INSTRUCTIONS
Dial the Phone Number: (866) 620-7326 Enter this Conference Code when prompted: 8357016693#
NOTE: Nonparticipating callers, please mute your phone to reduce noise on the line and to allow for an orderly meeting. To mute your phone, press *6; to unmute your phone, press #6.
###
DATE: September 17, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Kansas Lottery Draws Grand Prize Winner at Kansas State Fair
TOPEKA, KAN. – The 100th Kansas State Fair may be officially over, but the road trip adventure is just beginning for Shirley Vasquez. A Florence, Colo., resident, Vasquez is the lucky lottery player whose name was drawn from more than 25,000 entries in the Kansas Lottery 25th Anniversary Road Trip second-chance promotion.
Vasquez’s grand prize is a 2013 Winnebago Access 231C luxury RV. The grand prize package also includes mandatory state and federal income withholding taxes and other applicable taxes and fees for the vehicle, totaling approximately $101,600.
“When I received the message that I had won, I couldn’t believe it,” said Vasquez. “We were visiting my husband’s family in Kansas this summer and while we were in Wichita, I decided to purchase a ticket. When I didn’t win, I mailed it for the second-chance drawing and never gave it a second thought. My family is so excited because we love to camp. This spring we’re planning a trip to Texas to see my family. We’re also looking forward to seeing the races at Kansas Speedway in October.”
The official presentation of the grand prize will be made before the start of the NASCAR Nationwide Series Kansas Lottery 300 race at Kansas Speedway October 20, 2012.
The second-chance drawing took place on the last night of the State Fair, September 16, 2012, at approximately 6 p.m. in the Kansas Lottery building in Hutchinson.
Eligible entries for the second-chance drawing were $10 non-winning 25thAnniversary Road Trip instant scratch tickets. Entries were accepted by mail through September 11, 2012, or in person at the Kansas State Fair September 7-16, 2012. The game also offered players the chance to win up to $75,000 instantly.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: July 18, 2012 CONTACT: Cara S. Sloan-Ramos (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Kansas Lottery Celebrates Silver Anniversary with Record Sales Year
TOPEKA, KAN. – In a year already marked with much celebration, its 25th anniversary year, the Kansas Lottery has achieved a new record for sales. Sales of Lottery products in Fiscal Year 2012, which began July 1, 2011 and ended June 30, 2012, were nearly $244 million (unaudited). That’s up more than 4.6 percent from the previous year’s sales.
“One of the main goals I set for myself and the Lottery in my first full year as Executive Director was to surpass sales records and transfers from previous years and make the largest contribution to the State of Kansas in this agency’s history,” said Kansas Lottery Executive Director Dennis Wilson. “The dedicated staff of the Lottery took on that challenge wholeheartedly and together we achieved it.”
The Lottery will transfer $72 million to the State in FY12, the highest transfer in a single year since the Lottery started selling tickets in 1987 – $2 million more to the State than the previous fiscal year when the transfer was $70 million. Prizes paid also hit a new record mark at $137.5 million, up from $132.3 million last year.
“The numbers show increases in instant games and pull tabs. Both played an important role in our success this year. Another factor was the effort of our sales staff to find more selling opportunities within our base of retailers and re-focus on merchandising and training. Additionally, our marketing staff did a great job to promoting the enhanced Powerball game and exciting second-chance prize drawings,” said Wilson.
Above all, Wilson points to the success of the world record-breaking $656 million Mega Millions jackpot in March. That record-shattering amount was the result of unprecedented sales in all jurisdictions where Mega Millions is played, and Kansas was no exception. The jackpot drove Mega Millions sales in Kansas to $15.6 million in FY12, up an astounding $4.3 million from last year. Kansas sold one of three jackpot-winning tickets and the Lottery introduced Kansas’ largest-ever jackpot winner.
Another bright spot for the year was the Lottery’s Veterans Benefit games. Profits from the sale of Veterans Benefit instant games ended the fiscal year with the second highest total ever, more than $1.3 million, up from $755,687 in FY11. Sales from Veterans Benefit tickets provide direct funding for Kansas Veterans’ programs and Kansas National Guard scholarships.
This recently ended fiscal year also saw the opening of two additional casinos with state- owned gaming to join Boot Hill Casino already open in Dodge City. Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane and Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., combined with Boot Hill to transfer $43.4 million to the Expanded Lottery Act Revenues Fund – another record for the Kansas Lottery. The Problem Gambling and Addictions Grant Fund and local governments will each receive records amounts also, with transfers of $3.9 and $5.9 million, respectively.
For more information on the Kansas Lottery, to join the Kansas Lottery Players Club or for information about casino gaming revenue and fund distribution, visit www.kslottery.com.
Where Does the Money Go?
Traditional lottery revenue goes into the State Gaming Revenues Fund. On a yearly basis, the first $50 million is divided by a formula which first transfers $80,000 to the Problem Gambling and Addictions Grant Fund. Then 85 percent of the balance is transferred to the Economic Development Initiatives Fund, 10 percent to the Correctional Institutions Building Fund, and 5 percent to the Juvenile Detention Facilities Fund. Any receipts in excess of $50 million must be transferred to the State General Fund.
The 2007 Kansas Expanded Lottery Act created the Expanded Lottery Act Revenues Fund (ELARF). The state’s share of revenue from state-owned and -operated casino gaming is transferred from the ELARF for purposes of reduction of state debt, state infrastructure improvements and reduction of local ad valorem tax, and/or for such other purposes as directed by the Kansas legislature.
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DATE: July 18, 2012 CONTACT: Cara S. Sloan-Ramos (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Kansas Lottery Celebrates Silver Anniversary with Record Sales Year
TOPEKA, KAN. – In a year already marked with much celebration, its 25th anniversary year, the Kansas Lottery has hit a new record for sales. Sales of Lottery products in Fiscal Year 2012, which began July 1, 2011 and ended June 30, 2012, were nearly $244 million (unaudited). That’s up more than 4.6 percent from the previous year’s sales.
The Lottery will transfer $72 million to the State in FY12, the highest transfer in a single year since the Lottery started selling tickets in 1987 – $2 million more to the State than the previous fiscal year when the transfer was $70 million. Prizes paid also hit a new record mark at $137.5 million, up from $132.3 million last year.
Fiscal Year Net Sales Prizes Paid Transfers to State 1988 $65,804,532 $30,123,006 $11,343,321 1989 68,188,022 33,755,427 24,500,950 1990 64,530,640 28,941,942 19,259,917 1991 70,206,003 32,800,224 19,453,470 1992 77,147,506 37,304,320 27,147,019 1993 114,499,165 58,865,299 32,629,372 1994 152,292,802 79,390,419 47,888,013 1995 177,074,245 92,074,812 53,246,818 1996 182,113,628 96,088,069 58,114,547 1997 185,356,681 99,351,785 56,658,134 1998 192,017,310 101,688,863 60,304,388 1999 198,920,985 107,079,089 59,333,464
2000 192,560,800 104,377,074 59,646,911
2001 184,727,159 97,938,088 56,535,258
2002 190,083,880 98,963,631 60,494,603
2003 202,942,874 107,660,534 62,500,000
2004 224,457,166 120,775,874 70,217,944
2005 206,720,771 112,554,879 65,409,441
2006 236,045,945 131,004,556 67,088,609
2007 239,955,044 133,975,947 71,016,098
2008 236,667,471 132,970,457 70,046,954
2009 230,505,668 130,911,165 68,187,612
2010 235,414,168 132,427,895 69,026,898
2011 232,372,510 132,332,017 70,010,541
2012 243,570,532 137,552,690 72,000,000
Totals $4,172,065,133 $2,237,770,408 $1,262,049,741
“One of the main goals I set for myself and the Lottery in my first full year as Executive Director was to surpass sales records and transfers from previous years and make the largest contribution to the State of Kansas in this agency’s history,” said Kansas Lottery Executive Director Dennis Wilson. “The dedicated staff of the Lottery took on that challenge wholeheartedly and together we achieved it.”
Here’s a breakdown of FY12 sales, by game, compared to the fiscal year previous:
Game Type FY12 Sales FY11 Sales % Change (unaudited) Instant and Pull Tab Games $130,462,2666 $127,058,657 2.7 Powerball 37,665,321 32,563,97 15.7 Mega Millions 15,657,440 11,396,810 37.4 Super Kansas Cash 15,591,591 14,856,830 5 Pick 3 6,005,406 5,827,678 3.1 Keno 23,127,363 24,051,45 -3.8 Holiday Raffle 3,000,000 3,000,000 0 2by2 1,851,778 1,781,36 4 Hot Lotto 6,975,917 8,775,197 -20.5 Kansas Hold’Em 3,233,450 3,377,466 -4.3 Totals $243,570,532 $232,689,433 4.7
“The numbers show increases in instant games and pull tabs. Both played an important role in our success this year. Another factor was the effort of our sales staff to find more selling opportunities within our base of retailers and re-focus on merchandising and training. Additionally, our marketing staff did a great job to promoting the enhanced Powerball game and exciting second-chance prize drawings,” said Wilson.
Above all, Wilson points to the success of the world record-breaking $656 million Mega Millions jackpot in March. That record-shattering amount was the result of unprecedented sales in all jurisdictions where Mega Millions is played, and Kansas was no exception, driving sales in Kansas to $15.6 million in FY12, up an astounding $4.3 million from last year. Kansas sold one of three jackpot-winning tickets in the country and the Lottery introduced Kansas’ largest-ever jackpot winner.
Another bright spot for the year was the Lottery’s Veterans Benefit games. Profits from the sale of Veterans Benefit instant games ended the fiscal year with the second highest total ever, more than $1.3 million, up from $755,687 in FY11. Sales from Veterans Benefit tickets provide direct funding for Kansas Veterans’ programs and Kansas National Guard scholarships.
This recently ended fiscal year also saw the opening of two additional casinos with state- owned gaming to join Boot Hill Casino already open in Dodge City. Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane and Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., combined with Boot Hill to transfer $43.4 million to the Expanded Lottery Act Revenues Fund – another record for the Kansas Lottery. The Problem Gambling and Addictions Grant Fund and local governments will each receive records amounts also, with transfers of $3.9 and $5.9 million, respectively.
For more information on the Kansas Lottery, to join the Kansas Lottery Players Club or for information about casino gaming revenue and fund distribution, visit www.kslottery.com.
Where Does the Money Go? Traditional lottery revenue goes into the State Gaming Revenues Fund. On a yearly basis, the first $50 million is divided by a formula which first transfers $80,000 to the Problem Gambling and Addictions Grant Fund. Then 85 percent of the balance is transferred to the Economic Development Initiatives Fund, 10 percent to the Correctional Institutions Building Fund, and 5 percent to the Juvenile Detention Facilities Fund. Any receipts in excess of $50 million must be transferred to the State General Fund.
The 2007 Kansas Expanded Lottery Act created the Expanded Lottery Act Revenues Fund (ELARF). The state’s share of revenue from state-owned and -operated casino gaming is transferred from the ELARF for purposes of reduction of state debt, state infrastructure improvements and reduction of local ad valorem tax, and/or for such other purposes as directed by the Kansas legislature.
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DATE: September 18, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
2012 Kansas State Fair Daily Drawing Winners
TOPEKA, KAN. - At the 2012 Kansas State Fair, the Kansas Lottery conducted daily drawings at the Lottery Building, giving five players a chance to each win $100. The five winners are drawn at approximately 6 p.m. each evening from $1 non-winning instant scratch tickets purchased at the Kansas Lottery fair building.
This year’s winners are:
September 7, 2012 Winners
1. Duane Wedel of Meige 2. Gary Starks of El Dorado 3. Carrie Bowker of McPherson 4. Nina Rose of Pratt 5. Mollie Powell of McPherson
September 8, 2012
1. Cathy Forge of Leavenworth 2. Carla Hitsehman of Odin 3. Karla Shepard of Wichita 4. Linda Kaster of Newton 5. Paula Johnston of Wichita
September 9, 2012
1. Tamara Barnes of Douglass 2. Caralee Hager of Pratt 3. Connie Evans of Hutchinson 4. Eddie Saiz of Hutchinson 5. Chris Buckman of Conway Springs
September 10, 2012
1. Terry Mauk of Rose Hill 2. Curtis Bailey of Topeka 3. Sue Hetzke of Moundridge 4. Lynda Maddox of Osawatomie 5. Gordon Warnkon of Hutchinson
September 11, 2012
1. Chris Hatter of Wichita 2. Kristie Garrison of Wichita 3. Daniel Tiemeyer of Wichita 4. Sarah Roberts of Wichita 5. Bob Helm of Hays
September 12, 2012
1. Peggy Janke of McCracken 2. Mary Francos of Harper 3. Valerie Warkentine of Hutchinson 4. Douglas Panning of Ellinwood 5. Robyn Miller of Hutchinson
September 13, 2012
1. Sonya Wedel Overland Park 2. Daniel Tiemeyer of Wichita 3. RaeDene Greenham of Hutchinson 4. Dara Wickliffe of Wichita 5. Bob Krieg of Hutchinson
September 14, 2012
1. Claudia Hochman of Geneseo 2. Daniel Tiemeyer of Wichita 3. Rita Depler of Sedgwick 4. Cammy Jensen of Buhler 5. Veneta Chapin of Hutchinson
September 15, 2012
1. Theresa Bettels of Butler, MO 2. Ann Strunk of Abilene 3. Pam Shmidl of Hutchinson 4. Gary Meagner of Hutchinson 5. Steph Stieben of Hutchinson
September 16, 2012
1. Angela Copeland of Ness City 2. Kevin Moss of Hutchinson 3. Tiffany Dick of Hutchinson 4. Randy Schenk of Olmitz 5. Daniel Tiemeyer of Wichita
DATE: July 26, 2012 CONTACT: Max Kruetzer (785) 296-6291, [email protected]
Players Club Members Choose the Next Kansas Lottery T-shirt Design
TOPEKA, KAN. – Terry Atkinson, a 29-year-old Mulvane resident, is the winner of the first-ever Kansas Lottery T-shirt Design Contest!
“It’s awesome, I’m totally stoked. There were a lot of great designs up there,” said Atkinson.
For getting the most votes, Atkinson’s design will be featured on the Kansas Lottery State Fair shirt and he will receive a check for $300 and $300 in 25th Anniversary Road Trip instant scratch tickets.
“I’m probably most excited about the scratch tickets and the possibility of what I could win,” he said. “I might have some friends over for a ‘scratch party’.”
Atkinson went with a vintage-style design to celebrate the 25th year of the Kansas Lottery. He kept the gold color of the wheat stalk in the Kansas Lottery logo and added three more colors that he felt complimented it.
Ellinwood resident Chris Robl’s design won second place. For his second place finish, Roble will receive $300 in 25th Anniversary Road Trip tickets. Robl is a graphic designer at Brickstreet Printing, a screen-printing company in Ellinwood.
Entrants had from June 6 until July 3 to submit original t-shirt designs. Six designs were selected by Lottery officials, and then voted on by Players Club members from July 11 through July 25. The Kansas Lottery thanks all Players Club members who entered their designs and voted in the contest.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: September 28, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
The Wait is Almost Over – Holiday Millionaire Raffle begins Oct. 1!
TOPEKA, KAN. – ‘Tis the season for a Kansas Lottery player to win $1 million! Beginning October 1, 2012, the Kansas Lottery is once again giving its players a chance to win a $1 million grand prize, plus other cash prizes in its fourth Holiday Millionaire Raffle game. As with last year, the Kansas Lottery is offering Early Bird drawings, giving players who purchase tickets early a chance to win $10,000 in each drawing. Only 150,000 tickets will be sold at $20 each.
The Early Bird drawings will be held October 14, 21, 28, and November 4 and 11. If a player buys a ticket before an Early Bird drawing, their ticket will be eligible for that drawing, all subsequent Early Bird drawings, and the $1 million grand prize or other prizes on December 31, 2012. It is possible for the same ticket to win in all five Early Bird drawings and the $1 million grand prize drawing. Tickets sold after the final Early Bird drawings will only be eligible for raffle prizes drawn December 31, 2012.
Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets are Quick Pick only. Each ticket will have a unique 6- digit raffle number. Tickets will print in numeric order throughout the state beginning with raffle number 000001. When the last raffle number, 150000, is issued, sales will end and no additional tickets will be available for purchase. Players don’t wait to purchase your tickets. Once they’re gone, they’re gone!
On December 31, 2012, the Lottery will draw the winning numbers for the grand prize and other cash prizes. In recognition of the Lottery’s 25th Anniversary, players will notice a “25” prize theme. In addition to the $1 million grand prize, 25 players will each win $5,000, 25 players will each win $1,000, and 2,500 players will each win $100. Prizes for the Holiday Millionaire Raffle will total $1.5 million. Winners have 365 days from the date of the drawings to claim a prize. The $100 prizes can be claimed at most Kansas Lottery retail locations. Larger prizes must be claimed at a Kansas Lottery office.
DATE: July 30, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Gardner Residents Frequent Fliers to Kansas Lottery – Winning 5th Large Prize!
TOPEKA, KAN. – One might say Tracy and Tim Schnagl of Gardner have become frequent fliers to Kansas Lottery headquarters in Topeka. Since 2008, the couple has claimed a total of $70,000 playing Kansas Lottery instant scratch games. Today, Tim added another $10,000 to their total by claiming a $10,000 cash prize playing the Lottery’s 25th Anniversary $20 Game Book instant scratch game!
“I buy two of the Game Book tickets every day,” said Tim. “I buy one before work and one after work.”
The 25th Anniversary Game Book offers players nine different puzzle games, all in one book. Keeping with his routine, Tim stopped at a convenience store while on his way home from work Saturday to pick up his favorite game.
“I never start at the beginning of the book,” said Tim. “I start playing the last game at the back and work my way to the front. When I matched all my numbers on the Winning Combination game, I was surprised. I double checked and triple checked my ticket before calling Tracy.”
Having won several large prizes herself, Tracy recommended Tim stop at a convenience store to have his winning ticket verified.
“After scanning the ticket, the Lottery terminal read, ‘Sign back of ticket. Redeem at Lottery,’ I knew without a doubt I had won $10,000,” said Tim. “As a joke, I texted Tracy and told her I was wrong and had won $100 instead of $10,000. When she asked if I was kidding, I texted her back teasing I had really won $1,000. By the time it was all said and done, she didn’t know what to believe.”
After joking with his wife, Tim took a photo of his winning ticket and sent it to several friends and family members. Many were dumbfounded by the Schnagl’s good fortune, but were happy to see them win again.
The Schnagls, who have been married 30 years, have two children and three grandchildren. They were undecided how they would spend their winnings this time around, but said it would be put to good use.
Tim’s winning ticket was purchased at Zarco 66, located at 518 E. Logan in Ottawa.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: August 2, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Edwardsville Resident Hits a “Ringer” Worth $10,000
TOPEKA, KAN. – After working a 14-hour shift at Stix Restaurant yesterday, Dustin Demato decided to wind down his long day by playing a few Kansas Lottery instant scratch tickets. The Edwardsville resident purchased three $1 instant scratch games and at the last minute, decided to try his luck playing a $2 Lucky Horseshoes instant scratch ticket. Much to his surprise, Demato threw a “ringer,” winning a $10,000 top prize playing the game.
“I buy scratch tickets about twice a week, but I had never played the Lucky Horseshoes game before,” said Demato. “After buying the $1 tickets and a few other things at the store, I had $2 left, so I gave the game a try.”
After making his purchases, Demato played his tickets while visiting with friend and store clerk, “Lucky Ducky” Russell.
“It was getting close to midnight and the store was getting ready to close when I realized how much I had won,” said Demato. “I literally stared at my ticket for at least five minutes before it sank in how much I had won.”
“He was acting strange, so I asked him what was going on,” said Russell, who accompanied Demato to Lottery headquarters in Topeka to claim his prize. “When he told me he had just won $10,000, I was glad to see lightning strike again. I’ve sold a lot of winners to players. They’ve given me the nickname Lucky Ducky because of it.”
After returning home, Demato decided to sleep with his winning ticket underneath his pillow for safe keeping.
“My adrenaline was pretty high after winning, so it was around 3 a.m. when I finally fell asleep with the ticket under my pillow,” said Demato.
Demato, who has a one-year-old son, plans to start a college fund with his winnings and help his parents, who have been struggling financially due to illnesses.
The winning ticket was purchased M S Petroleum, located at 10421 Kaw Dr. in Edwardsville.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: August 6, 2012 CONTACT: Max Kretuzer (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Wichita Family Man Gets a $10,000 Birthday Present
TOPEKA, KAN. – Wichita resident Michael Duane Harlow is having a good birthday. Harlow came in to the Topeka Lottery Headquarters on his 62nd birthday to claim a $10,000 top prize he won on a $2 Blackout Bingo instant scratch ticket.
Late Saturday afternoon, Harlow and his wife decided to stop at Casey’s General Store and pick up a few tickets for the weekend. It was just before dinner that Harlow and his wife scratched off every letter on the fourth card for a blackout worth $10,000.
“I couldn’t believe it. Before this I was just really happy when we won $50,” Harlow said.
Harlow’s wife immediately took the ticket and put it in a safe place.
He and his wife Marlene are both recently retired and from their three children they have five grandchildren and two great grandchildren who keep them busy with baby- sitting duties.
Harlow and his wife plan on using some of the money for their vacation to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah to watch drivers attempt to break land-speed world records.
“We also have three grand-daughters who are starting at Butler soon, so maybe we can help with some books,” Harlow said.
Harlow has a few more reasons to celebrate; a grandson returned home this week from an 18-month tour in Afghanistan and Harlow is celebrating 45 years of marriage to his wife on August 7.
Laughing, Harlow said, “I’m having a good week. I guess I’m just lucky.”
The winning ticket was purchased at Golf USA, located at 3244 Kimball Avenue in Wichita.
DATE: August 14, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Fredonia Resident Wins “Big Cash Money” with $10,000 Top Prize
TOPEKA, KAN. – After celebrating her 77th birthday August 7, Bessie Ford of Fredonia found herself celebrating another big occasion two days later. Ford, who purchased a couple of the Kansas Lottery’s $2 Big Cash Money instant scratch tickets, revealed a $10,000 top prize playing the game!
“I buy scratch tickets every day,” said Ford. “I like to mix it up by playing $1 games one day and maybe $5 games the next. I’ve always been hoping to win a big one.”
Initially, Ford purchased two of the Big Cash Money tickets, winning two free tickets. Wanting to try her luck again, she exchanged her free tickets for two more of the same game. Of those two tickets, Ford revealed a $10,000 top prize on one.
“I thought I had won $1,000 at first,” said Ford. “My grandson double-checked my ticket and that’s when we realized I had actually won $10,000. I could hardly believe it.”
To ensure she had indeed won a top prize, Ford drove back to the store where she purchased her tickets to have it verified.
“By the time I was leaving the store everyone in there knew I had won, and kept telling me it couldn’t have happened to a better person,” said Ford.
Ford, who has two children, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, was undecided how she would spend her winnings.
The winning ticket was purchased at Pump N Pete’s of Fredonia, located at 303 Washington in Fredonia.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: August 14, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
A Holiday Millionaire Raffle Mystery Solved!
TOPEKA, KAN. – Last year, the Kansas Lottery introduced a new element to the Holiday Millionaire Raffle game, giving players 10 chances to win $10,000 in Early Bird drawings. The Early Bird drawings were held October 9, 2011, through November 6, 2011, with two players each winning $10,000 in every drawing. One of the very first $10,000 Early Bird winning raffle tickets, 031432, was never claimed, that is, until now!
The lucky winner holding the $10,000 raffle ticket was Cheryl Popkey of Hutchinson. According to Popkey, she knew she had won one of the $10,000 prizes the day after the October 9, 2011, Early Bird drawing. However, she didn’t have the opportunity to make the trip to Lottery headquarters in Topeka to claim her prize since she works second shift at Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita.
“My friend Chris and I both bought raffle tickets for the Early Bird drawings,” explained Popkey. “While we were checking the winning numbers the day after the drawing, I teased him by saying, ‘Do you have any of those winning numbers, because I do!’”
After realizing she was holding a $10,000 winning ticket, Popkey placed it in a lockbox where it has remained for the last 10 months, which has given her plenty of time to think about what to do with her winnings.
“I’m going to help my kids out,” said Popkey. “They’re the ones who need it the most. Plus, we have a little granddaughter, too.”
When asked if she would be playing this year’s Holiday Millionaire Raffle game, Popkey had a definite answer.
“Of course, I’ll play,” said Popkey. “It has the best odds to win. I like that there are only a certain amount of tickets printed, and it’s just fun to play.”
This year’s Holiday Millionaire Raffle game will launch October 1, 2012, with the grand prize drawing taking place December 31, 2012. Further details of the Holiday Millionaire Raffle game will be released next month.
Popkey’s winning ticket was purchased at Kwik Shop 744, located at 1401 E. 17th in Hutchinson.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: August 14, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Kansas Lottery Commission to Meet August 15
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Lottery Commission will hold its August meeting via teleconference at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 15, 2012, at the Kansas Lottery Headquarters and Claims Center, located at 108 N. Kansas Ave., Topeka, Kan. The meeting is open to the public. The agenda for the meeting is attached.
Parties interested in listening to the Lottery Commission meeting may do so by accessing the conference line at the Lottery’s expense.
CONFERENCE CALL INSTRUCTIONS
Dial the Phone Number: (866) 620-7326 Enter this Conference Code when prompted: 8357016693#
NOTE: Nonparticipating callers, please mute your phone to reduce noise on the line and to allow for an orderly meeting. To mute your phone, press *6; to unmute your phone, press #6.
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DATE: August 15, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Big Jackpots for Tonight’s Drawings – Powerball Jackpot Climbs to $320 million!
TOPEKA, KAN. – The jackpots are climbing for tonight’s drawings, and Kansas players are hoping to get lucky!
Tonight’s estimated Powerball jackpot climbed to $320 million, with a cash option of $213.3 million! Yesterday, the Multi-State Lottery Association increased the jackpot amount by $15 million as sales surged beyond expectations. Tonight’s estimated jackpot is now the fourth largest Powerball jackpot on record. If no one matches all numbers in tonight’s drawing, Saturday night’s estimated jackpot will likely become the largest Powerball jackpot in U.S. history.
If someone matches all numbers in tonight’s Hot Lotto drawing, they could also become a millionaire. The Hot Lotto jackpot is an estimated $1.02 million, with a cash option of $930,000. Drawings for Hot Lotto and Powerball are held every Wednesday and Saturday.
A lucky player could win more than $1 million cash in tonight’s Super Kansas Cash drawing. The Super Kansas Cash jackpot is an estimated $1.04 million. Jackpots in the Kansas-only game are paid in one lump sum. Drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Players have until 8:59 p.m. to buy tickets for tonight’s drawings. As always, the Kansas Lottery encourages its players to play responsibly.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: August 15, 2012 CONTACT: Cara Sloan-Ramos (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Moline Resident Joins Lottery Million Dollar Match 5 Club
TOPEKA, KAN. – Calvin Allen and his wife Linda have both been in shock since they realized last week they had won $1 million in the August 8 Powerball drawing. Allen, who only plays Powerball when the jackpot soars above $80 million, matched the first five numbers and headed to Topeka to claim his million dollars. The winning numbers were 03-07-11-15-28 Powerball 12. Allen’s winning numbers were 03-07-11-15-28 Powerball 31.
This was only the second time Allen has played his own numbers using kids’ and grandkids’ birthdays, and he bought the ticket an hour before the drawing, so he was more than excited to win. “I know you win a prize when you match five numbers but I wasn’t sure what the prize amount is so I checked the brochure I have,” he said. Once he realized it was $1 million, he asked his friend over and over for two days, “Is this right?”
The 52-year-old winner took his ticket back to the retailer he bought it from for validation. The store clerk confirmed he had won and told him he needed to claim his winnings at Lottery headquarters. When she saw the look of disbelief on his face she said, “I’m serious!”
Allen is glad he strayed from his usual purchase of instant scratch tickets and pull tabs last week. He’s convinced a fortune he read telling him money was in his future is what led him to this windfall. A nicer home, a newer truck and a vacation are on this winner’s wish list and he plans to enjoy retirement with his wife, four children and eight grandchildren.
The winning ticket was purchased at Moline Q-Mart, located at 520 E. 3rd in Moline.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: August 16, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Lucky Kansas Lottery Players Win Big Prizes in Last Night’s Drawings; $1 Million Powerball Ticket Sold in Northeast Kansas!
TOPEKA, KAN. – Although the $337 million Powerball jackpot was hit in Michigan last night, a lucky Kansas Lottery player is holding a Powerball ticket worth $1 million! One ticket purchased in northeast Kansas matched the first five numbers, winning the $1 million Match 5 prize! The winning numbers in last night’s Powerball drawing were 06- 27-46-51-56 Powerball 21.
The northeast region of Kansas includes the following counties: Marshall, Nemaha, Brown, Doniphan, Riley, Pottawatomie, Jackson, Atchison, Geary, Wabaunsee, Shawnee, Jefferson, Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Johnson, Osage, Douglas, Franklin, Miami, Morris and the northern half of Lyon. The Powerball jackpot returns to $40 million with a cash option of $26.7 million for the Saturday, August 18 drawing.
In addition to the $1 million Powerball winning ticket, another lucky Kansas Lottery player is holding a Hot Lotto ticket worth $10,000 from last night’s drawing. One ticket sold in south central Kansas matched the first five Hot Lotto numbers, winning the $10,000 cash prize. The winning Hot Lotto numbers were 05-10-12-23-24 Hot Ball 07.
The south central region of Kansas includes the following counties: Barton, Rice, McPherson, Marion, Stafford, Reno, Harvey, Pratt, Kingman, Sedgwick, Butler, Barber, Harper, Sumner and Cowley. Since no one matched all numbers in the Hot Lotto drawing, the jackpot climbed to $1.25 million with a cash option if $970,000 for Saturday night’s drawing.
No one matched all numbers in the Super Kansas Cash jackpot in last night’s drawing. However, two tickets matched the first five Super Kansas Cash numbers, each winning $2,000! One ticket was sold in northeast Kansas and one in south central Kansas. The winning Super Kansas Cash numbers were 08-09-10-11-29 Cash Ball 06. The Super Kansas Cash jackpot climbed to $1,085,000 for Saturday night’s drawing. Super Kansas Cash is a Kansas-only game with jackpots paid in one lump sum.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: August 20, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Lansing Resident Claims $1 Million Powerball Prize!
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Lansing resident has claimed the $1 million Match 5 cash prize from the August 15 Powerball drawing! The winner, who wished to remain anonymous, matched the first five Powerball numbers on a $6 Quick Pick ticket. The winning numbers for the Aug. 15 drawing were 06-27-46-51-56 Powerball 21. The winner’s numbers were 06-27-46-51-56 Powerball 26.
“I didn’t know I was holding the winning ticket until Saturday evening,” explained the winner. “I stopped by a convenience store for a Coke and decided to check my tickets before I bought more for that night’s drawings. When I scanned my ticket, the machine read, ‘See store clerk. Claim at Lottery.’ I had never seen that message before, so I tried it again and got the same message, so decided to have the store clerk check it for me.”
After scanning the ticket, the store clerk was shocked to see it was worth $1 million.
“I was the only customer in the store when the clerk scanned my ticket,” said the winner. “When he realized how much I had won, he came around and gave me a big hug and started jumping up and down. It was pretty funny.”
After taxes, 5% for state and 25% for federal, the winner will receive a $700,000 lump sum. The Lansing resident plans to save the winnings for retirement.
The winning ticket was purchased at Finish Line, located at 506 N. Main in Lansing. For selling the $1 million Powerball ticket, the store will receive a $1,000 selling bonus.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: August 21, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Agra Resident Wins $20,000 “Bonus”
TOPEKA, KAN. – According to Duane Peterson, he enjoys playing Kansas Lottery instant scratch games three times a week. Yesterday afternoon, the Agra resident stopped at a nearby convenience store where he purchased five of the $2 Bonus Crossword instant tickets. Although he didn’t have much luck on the first two tickets he scratched, he receive a “bonus” worth $20,000 when he revealed all 10 words on the third ticket he played, winning a $20,000 top prize!
“I was pretty excited when I saw how much I had won,” said Peterson. “The store clerk told me to sign the back of my ticket, but when I tried signing it I was pretty shaky.”
After signing the back of his winning ticket, Peterson called his wife Donna to share the good news.
“When he called me with the news, I didn’t believe him,” said Donna. “I kept saying, ‘You’re kidding me,’ and he kept saying, ‘No, I wouldn’t tease you about that.’ I think it finally sank in when he showed me the winning ticket. I think I’m going to start playing lottery tickets now.”
Although Peterson was excited about his big win, he hasn’t shared the good news with many friends or family members.
“Since we had to come to Lottery headquarters to claim the prize, we told our son who lives in Topeka,” Peterson said laughing. “Our other two kids don’t know yet, but I’m sure they’ll find out soon.”
The Petersons, who have been married 46 years, plan to pay bills with their winnings. The winning ticket was purchased at 1st Stop 6208, located at 695 State Ave. in Phillipsburg.
DATE: August 28, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Topeka Resident Receives Surprise when Claiming $10,000 Winning Ticket
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man received a huge surprise when claiming a Powerball ticket this afternoon. Steve Castellon came to Lottery headquarters in Topeka to claim what he thought was a $500 winning ticket. However, much to his surprise, his winning ticket was actually worth $10,000! Castellon, who purchased a $10 Quick Pick Powerball ticket, matched four numbers plus the Powerball in the June 6 drawing, winning the cash prize.
“I’m just shocked,” said Castellon. “I really don’t know what to say. I came here thinking I had won $500 and was thrilled with that.”
According to Castellon, he buys Powerball tickets every other week but doesn’t check them until he has collected a stack of tickets.
“I bet I had 10 to 15 tickets stashed in my sun visor that I hadn’t checked until yesterday,” said Castellon. “I knew I had won something big, but never imagined my ticket was worth $10,000. It’s unbelievable!”
The happy winner said although he should check his tickets immediately after each drawing, maybe his strategy of not checking his tickets right away brought him luck.
“I’m going to keep playing, but I don’t know if I’ll check my tickets right away,” said Castellon. “Not checking them seemed to work out pretty well for me this time.”
Castellon, who works for Gordman’s, was undecided how he would spend his winnings.
“I don’t think it has sunk in how much I have won,” said Castellon. “This is all so unbelievable and exciting.”
The winning ticket was purchased at Topeka Quick Stop, located at 1020 NW Topeka Blvd. in Topeka.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: August 29, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
New Kansas Lottery Kansas Casinos Ticket Offers Casino Prize Packages
TOPEKA, KAN. – It’s not a bluff! Beginning this week, the Kansas Lottery is giving players a chance to win great casino prize packages in its Kansas Casinos second-chance drawing. Beginning August 30, Players Club members who enter non-winning $10 Kansas Casinos instant scratch tickets will become eligible for the April 26, 2013, online- only drawing. Players may also win up to $75,000 instantly!
“The launch of this game is proof of the strong synergy between the Kansas Lottery and its Kansas casino partners,” said Executive Director Dennis Wilson. “We believe the Kansas Casinos instant ticket will be very popular with our traditional lottery players and at the same time raise awareness of the entertainment opportunities provided by the first-class casinos in Kansas.”
Jessica Rabe, Director of Marketing for Boot Hill Casino & Resort®, the first gaming facility to open in Kansas agrees the partnership forged between state-owned casinos and traditional lottery is a strong one. “We share the common goal of promoting tourism and featuring the great destinations that exist right here, in our backyard. For the Boot Hill Casino & Resort and Dodge City package, guests will experience genuine hospitality and a Wild West experience second to none,” she said.
Bob Sheldon, General Manager of Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway® added, “Hollywood Casino is very excited to be a part of this new scratch ticket. The successful cross-promotion of the casino and the Kansas Lottery together will generate additional revenue for the state, benefiting all its citizens.”
Six grand prize packages will be awarded in the Kansas Casinos second-chance drawing. The six winners and a guest will each receive a trip for two to Boot Hill Casino & Resort®, Kansas Star Casino®, or Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway® for three nights and two days. Each prize package also includes one double-occupancy hotel room, a casino prize pack including free play, a restaurant meal package, $2,000 cash, and mandatory state and federal withholding taxes and other applicable taxes and fees for the prize. Each prize package is valued at approximately $5,300.
Entries will be accepted through the Kansas Lottery’s website beginning August 30, 2012, through noon April 23, 2013. When entering the online-only Kansas Casinos second-chance drawing, Players Club members will be allowed to choose the casino prize package they wish to enter. The casino logos on the front of each Kansas Casinos ticket, does not determine which prize package a player must enter. For example, players may enter a Kansas Casinos ticket with the Boot Hill Casino & Resort® logo on the front into the prize package for the Kansas Star Casino®. If players wish to enter the drawing for all three casino trips, they must separately enter each drawing with a different Kansas Casinos ticket. Players must keep all tickets they enter for the drawing until all alternate drawings have been conducted, and must produce their original Kansas Casinos ticket when claiming a prize. Players may enter each drawing as often as they wish, but may only win one casino prize package.
Once the drawing is conducted, an email will be sent to each winner for address verification followed by a mailed claim form. Winners have 30 days from the date the Kansas Lottery announces the winners to claim their prize, or the winner will no longer be eligible for the prize. Please note state law prohibits the sale of lottery tickets to persons under the age of 18. State law also prohibits persons under the age of 21 from participating in casino activities. To receive the casino prize pack with free play, winners must sign up for the selected casino’s Player’s Club.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: October 2, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Tech the Halls this Holiday Season for Chances to Win Great Electronic Prizes!
TOPEKA, KAN. – Once again, the Kansas Lottery is offering its players chances to win great electronic prizes this holiday season in its Tech the Halls second-chance drawing! This year, five non-winning holiday instant scratch games are eligible for this online-only promotion, offered exclusively to Kansas Lottery Players Club members.
The electronic prizes Players Club members have the chance to win include 25 Sony® Cyber Shot cameras, 25 Sony® PlayStation 3 Bundles, 25 Sony® S tablets, and 25 Sony® 50” LED TVs with a Blu-ray Home Theater System. The five instant scratch games eligible for the Tech the Halls drawing will have different possible prizes based on the ticket price.
To become eligible to win one of 25 Sony® Cyber Shot cameras, players must enter these specific $1 holiday instant scratch tickets: Stocking Stuffer and Merry Christmouse. To become eligible to win one of 25 Sony® PlayStation 3 bundles, players must enter this $2 holiday instant scratch ticket: Bingo Bucks. To become eligible to win one of 25 Sony® S tablets, players must enter the following $5 instant scratch ticket: Holiday Lights. To become eligible to win one of 25 Sony® 50” LED TVs with a Blu-ray home theater system, players must enter this $10 instant scratch ticket: Winner Wishes. All of the eligible holiday instant scratch games will have “Online Entry Ticket” printed on the front of each ticket. In addition, all eligible tickets will have “Tech the Halls” and “Visit kslottery.com for details” on the back of each ticket.
Beginning October 1, 2012 through 5 p.m. January 29, 2013, online entries will be accepted only through the Players Club on the Kansas Lottery’s website. Mailed entries will not be accepted for this promotion. Tech the Halls winners will be announced at approximately 12 p.m. February 1, 2013. Entries not entered in the appropriate prize category will be disqualified. Players must retain and present their original ticket to claim a prize. An email will be sent to winners for address verification followed by a mailed claim form. The claim form must be completed and returned with the original ticket to the Kansas Lottery within 15 days of the date of the drawing or the next eligible entry shall be declared the winner. Players may enter as often as they wish, but may win only once in each category.
Players Club membership is free and includes monthly drawings for $10 in free lottery plays, information on upcoming promotions, winning numbers and much more.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: Oct. 4, 2012 CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Overland Park Man Celebrates Recent Retirement with $1.761 Million Lottery Prize
TOPEKA, KAN. – Most people hope to have a little nest egg when they retire, but the Kansas Lottery’s newest jackpot winner has a nest egg that’s super-sized! The lucky winner of $1.761 million in last night’s Super Kansas Cash jackpot claimed his winning ticket early this afternoon at Lottery headquarters in Topeka.
The winner, who asked the Lottery not to reveal his name, matched all numbers on a $5 Quick Pick ticket to win the top prize. The winning numbers were 12-15-19-26-31 Cash Ball 03. After mandatory taxes, the winner will receive a check for $1,232,700.
“Even though I’m a fairly laid back person, it does make your mind spin a little faster,” admitted the happy winner. The retired businessman said he hadn’t yet told anybody about his good fortune and “probably won’t for a while.”
“But it sure feels good,” he said. “I’m very lucky.”
The winner plans to give away some of the prize money and also do some traveling. He discovered his good fortune when he checked his numbers on the Kansas Lottery website last night. In addition to the winning ticket, he also had three other $5 Quick Pick tickets for the drawing.
“I tend to buy a few more when the jackpot gets up there,” he explained. The winner purchased his lucky jackpot-winning ticket at Hen House 33, located at 6900 W. 135th Street in Overland Park.
The Super Kansas Cash jackpot had been on a roll since April 14, after a Wichita resident claimed a jackpot worth $1.47 million. Super Kansas Cash is played every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. The jackpot, which is paid in one cash lump sum, returns to $100,000 for Saturday’s drawing.
DATE: October 4, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
$1.76 Million Super Kansas Cash Jackpot Hit in Northeast Kansas!
TOPEKA, KAN. – One lucky ticket purchased in northeast Kansas has matched all numbers in the October 3 Super Kansas Cash drawing, winning a jackpot-prize worth $1.76 million! The winning numbers were 12-15-19-26-31 Cash Ball 03.
The northeast region of the state includes the following counties: Marshall, Nemaha, Brown, Doniphan, Riley, Pottawatomie, Jackson, Jefferson, Atchison, Geary, Wabaunsee, Shawnee, Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Johnson, Osage, Douglas, Franklin, Miami, Morris and the northern half of Lyon.
In addition to the jackpot-winning ticket, two tickets also matched the first five Super Kansas Cash numbers, each winning a $2,000 cash prize. The winning tickets were sold in south central Kansas and northeast Kansas.
The Super Kansas Cash jackpot has been on a roll since April 14, after a Wichita resident claimed a jackpot worth $1.47 million. Super Kansas Cash is played every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, with the jackpot paid in one lump sum. The Super Kansas Cash jackpot for the October 6 drawing returns to $100,000.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: October 12, 2012 CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
First Holiday Millionaire Raffle “Early Bird” Drawing this Sunday; Two Players to Each Win $10,000!
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Lottery’s fourth Holiday Millionaire Raffle game is causing raffle-mania across Kansas! Raffle tickets went on sale at Lottery retail locations throughout the state October 1. Players have a $10,000 incentive to purchase tickets early. The Kansas Lottery is once again offering Early Bird drawings with 10 chances to win $10,000. The first Early Bird drawing will be held this Sunday with two players each winning $10,000!
Sunday’s Early Bird winners are still eligible for subsequent Early Bird drawings, the $1 million grand prize, or other prizes to be drawn December 31. The remaining Early Bird drawings will be held October 21 and 28, and November 4 and 11. It is possible for a player to win more than one prize, but only if that player has multiple tickets. Players must retain their Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets in order to claim a prize.
Raffle sales will end December 30, if the game is not already sold out. The $1 million grand prize drawing will be held December 31. In addition to the grand prize, 25 players will each win $5,000, 25 players will each win $1,000, and 2,500 will each win $100.
Winners have 365 days from the date of each drawing to claim prizes. The $100 prizes can be claimed at most Kansas Lottery retail locations. Larger prizes must be claimed at a Kansas Lottery office or by mail.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: October 15, 2012 CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Winning Numbers announced in first Early Bird Holiday Millionaire Raffle
TOPEKA, KAN. – Kansas Lottery players are encouraged to check their Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets. The first Early Bird drawing was held Sunday and two lucky tickets are each worth $10,000! The winning tickets were sold in southwest Kansas and south central Kansas.
The winning raffle numbers are:
009843 and 023607
The remaining Early Bird drawings will be held October 21 and 28, and November 4 and 11. As of 8:00 a.m. this morning there were 109,795 raffle tickets remaining. Sunday’s Early Bird winners are still eligible for subsequent Early Bird drawings, the $1 million grand prize, or one of the other prizes drawn December 31, 2012. Tickets sold after the final Early Bird drawing on November 11, will only be eligible for raffle prizes drawn December 31. Players may only win one prize in the grand prize drawing December 31.
Players must retain their tickets to claim prizes! Winners have 365 days from the date of each drawing to claim a prize.
One lucky ticket worth $5,000 from last year’s Holiday Millionaire Raffle drawing on December 30, 2011, still remains unclaimed. That $5,000 winning raffle number was 055218.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: October 16, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Kansas Lottery Players are Encouraged to Check Their Tickets; $10,000 Winning Powerball Ticket Set to Expire Oct. 19!
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Lottery is encouraging its players to check their online tickets. There are several large prizes unclaimed, with two $10,000 winning Powerball tickets set to expire soon.
One ticket sold in northeast Kansas remains unclaimed from the October 19, 2011, drawing. The winner of the ticket has until 5 p.m. October 19, 2012, to claim the prize. A second ticket, also sold in northeast Kansas, is unclaimed from the November 2, 2011, drawing. The winner has until 5 p.m. November 2, 2012, to claim the prize.
The northeast region of Kansas includes the following counties: Marshall, Nemaha, Brown, Doniphan, Riley, Pottawatomie, Jackson, Atchison, Geary, Wabaunsee, Shawnee, Jefferson, Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Johnson, Wyandotte, Johnson, Osage, Douglas, Franklin, Miami, Morris, and the northern half of Lyon.
Other prizes expiring soon include: a $10,000 Mega Millions ticket from the March 30, 2012, drawing (sold in south central Kansas); a $10,000 Powerball ticket from the March 31, 2012, drawing (sold in northeast Kansas); and a $10,000 Hot Lotto ticket from the May 26, 2012, drawing (sold in northeast Kansas). Players have 365 days from the date of the drawing to claim a prize.
The Kansas Lottery encourages its players to check their tickets immediately after each drawing. To view a list of unclaimed prizes, visit this link: http://www.kslottery.com/Games/UnclaimedPrizes.aspx.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: October 16, 2012 CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Coffeyville Mental Health Worker Celebrates Early Christmas with $10K Win
TOPEKA, KAN. – Kristy Lenington and her co-workers from the Four County Mental Health Center in Coffeyville were on their way to a retreat in Joplin, Missouri, last week. Before leaving town, they stopped at a Casey’s, where Lenington picked up a Casino Game Book to keep her busy while en route.
The $20 instant ticket, which features several different games, not only gave Lenington many minutes of entertainment; it also gave her many dollars of winnings! When she was done playing all the games, she discovered she had won $10,000.
“I let out a yell I had won $10,000, but nobody in the van believed me until I showed the ticket to them,” Lenington said. “I never in a million years thought I would be this lucky.”
Lenington said the win couldn’t have come at a better time. The single mother of a seven-year-old son, who accompanied his mother to Lottery headquarters, said they were “going to have a happy Christmas this year.”
Her son added, “I think Christmas is right now!”
The Coffeyville resident purchased her lucky ticket at Casey’s General Store 1406, located at 104 North Cline Road in Coffeyville.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: October 16, 2012 CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Kansas Lottery Commission to Meet October 17
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Lottery Commission will hold its October meeting via teleconference at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 17, 2012, at the Kansas Lottery Headquarters and Claims Center, located at 108 N. Kansas Ave., Topeka, Kan. The meeting is open to the public. The agenda for the meeting is attached.
Parties interested in listening to the Lottery Commission meeting may do so by accessing the conference line at the Lottery’s expense.
CONFERENCE CALL INSTRUCTIONS
Dial the Phone Number: (866) 620-7326 Enter this Conference Code when prompted: 8357016693#
NOTE: Nonparticipating callers, please mute your phone to reduce noise on the line and to allow for an orderly meeting. To mute your phone, press *6; to unmute your phone, press #6.
###
DATE: October 18, 2012 CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Wamego Player Picks up Sick Daughter; Wins $10,000 Lottery Prize
TOPEKA, KAN. – If it wasn’t for her daughter getting sick and needing to be picked up at school yesterday, Teresa Duncan might not have found herself $10,000 richer.
“After I picked up Hannah at the high school, I stopped to get gas,” explained the Wamego woman. “While there, I also purchased two $2 Slingo tickets because Slingo is one of my favorite games.”
When they got home, Duncan scratched the first ticket. Nothing. Then the second ticket, which was a real eye-opener.
Duncan said, “I called my husband right away to tell him I’d won $10,000. He didn’t believe me, so I told him I was going to Topeka by myself!”
“To which I replied, ‘If you’re going to Topeka, I guess I’d better come along,’” said a now-convinced Dale Duncan.
The Duncans, who have been married for 28 years and also have a son who’s in college at Pittsburg State, said their plans for the prize money include new tires for their truck and a family vacation.
“I don’t know where we’ll go,” said the winner. “We just want to be together. The years go by way too fast.”
Teresa Duncan is a cosmetologist and also works at Grandma Hoerner’s in Alma. Dale Duncan is employed at Midway Wholesale in Manhattan.
The lucky Slingo ticket was purchased at Short Stop 8, located at 807 Highway 24 in Wamego.
DATE: October 18, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Sabetha Resident Wins $10,112 and He’s Off to the Races!
TOPEKA, KAN. – Harold L. Cook, a 59-year-old Sabetha resident, received a big surprise after a friend checked his Powerball ticket on the Kansas Lottery's website. After purchasing the ticket September 12, Cook left it sitting on his counter for a few days, not giving it much thought. He was in for a shock when he discovered his ticket was actually worth $10,112!
“After my friend checked my Powerball ticket online, he held it out to me and said I had won something," said Cook. "I thought it was a big joke. I put it in my pocket and forgot about it for a while.”
Cook finally decided to take the ticket to Kansas Lottery headquarters in Topeka to have it checked. He was so surprised to find out the ticket was worth $10,112, his legs almost gave out on him.
“They turned to rubber right under me," said Cook. "I’m still shaking!”
Cook, who is a truck driver for Keim Transportation Inc., drives through many states but always tries to buy his Powerball tickets in Kansas. Although Cook alternates between picking his numbers and asking for Quick Pick tickets for the first five numbers, he always picks his own Powerball number.
“I felt good about the number six that day because it’s half of twelve and I bought the ticket on September 12, which was for that night's Powerball drawing," said Cook. "I bought a $5 ticket, letting the computer pick the first five numbers and I chose six for the Powerball number on each set of numbers.”
Picking the Powerball to be six helped Cook win on each set of numbers. He won $4 each on two lines by matching only the Powerball number. On another line, he matched one number plus the Powerball number, winning another $4. He also won $100 on one line by matching three numbers plus the Powerball. The big $10,000 win came when he matched four numbers plus the Powerball, which brought his total winnings to $10,112!
Cook plans to purchase a new truck with some of his winnings and ask a special someone to go to the Kentucky Derby with him this year.
“I don’t think she’ll go, but if she does, I’ll even buy her a fancy hat!," said Cook.
The winning ticket was purchased at Crossroads Express, located at 602 W. Frontier Parkway in Oberlin.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: October 19, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Raffle Fever Continues to Sweep Kansas; Second Early Bird Drawing Sunday - Two Players to Each Win $10,000!
TOPEKA, KAN. – Raffle fever continues to sweep Kansas as the Kansas Lottery gets ready for the second Holiday Millionaire Raffle Early Bird drawing this Sunday. As with the first Early Bird drawing October 14, two players will each win $10,000!
So far, only one player has come forward to claim one of two $10,000 Holiday Millionaire Early Bird prizes from the Oct. 14 drawing. Yesterday, a Sedgwick County resident claimed raffle number 023607 at Kansas Lottery headquarters in Topeka yesterday. The winning raffle number sold in southwest Kansas has yet to be claimed. The winning raffle number is 009843.
All Early Bird drawings are held at approximately 9:15 p.m., with the winning raffle numbers being posted on the Kansas Lottery website at approximately 10 p.m. After Sunday, the remaining Early Bird drawings will be held October 28, November 4 and November 11. As of 8:00 a.m. this morning, there were 102,181 raffle tickets remaining. All Early Bird winners are still eligible for subsequent Early Bird drawings, the $1 million grand prize, or one of the other prizes drawn December 31, 2012. Tickets sold after the final Early Bird drawing November 11, will only be eligible for raffle prizes drawn December 31. Players must retain and present their tickets to claim a prize!
For more information on the Holiday Millionaire Raffle, other games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: October 22, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
$160,000 Super Kansas Cash Jackpot Claimed by Topekan
TOPEKA, KAN. – A retired Burlington Northern Santa Fe employee has claimed the $160,000 Super Kansas Cash jackpot from the Saturday, October 20, drawing. The Topeka resident, who wished to remain anonymous, matched all Super Kansas Cash numbers, picking his own winning numbers. The winning numbers were 02-12-16-19-21 Cash Ball 23.
“I’ve been playing the same numbers for every Super Kansas Cash drawing for a few years,” explained the winner. “When I checked Sunday’s paper for the winning numbers, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.”
To make sure he was seeing the correct winning numbers, the winner asked his son to double check them for him. Once he was positive he had won the jackpot, the 77-year- old winner signed the back of his winning ticket and waited until this morning to claim his prize at Lottery headquarters in Topeka.
“Once we were sure I had won the jackpot, we gave each other a lot of high-fives,” said the winner. “This win came at a great time. Now I can pay off a few bills.”
When asked if he planned to continue playing the same winning numbers, the winner didn’t hesitate to answer.
“I don’t see any reason to quit,” said the winner. “Maybe I’ll get lucky and win again.”
The jackpot-winning ticket was sold at John’s Food Center, located at 5812 SW Topeka Blvd. in Topeka. For selling the winning ticket, the store will receive a $1,000 selling bonus.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: October 22, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Morning Routine Pays Off for Dresden Resident
TOPEKA, KAN. – David Meitl’s morning routine has paid off with a big win. The Dresden resident stops by a local convenience store for coffee every morning with eight other friends and plays Kansas Lottery instant scratch tickets. Sticking to his routine on September 27, the Dresden resident purchased a couple of $2 Blue Line Slingo instant scratch tickets, winning a $10,000 top prize on one!
“I buy a few tickets every day,” said Meitl. “Even though I play a lot it was a big surprise to realize I had won $10,000. About five minutes after I realized I had won, the Lottery representative for our area came in the store. When he walked in I said, ‘That was quick! Did you bring my money with you?’”
Not wanting to make the long trip to Topeka to claim his prize, Meitl decided to wait until he and his wife Janet came to Kansas Speedway for the NASCAR races this past weekend.
“I was trying to kill two birds with one stone,” said Meitl. “I actually bought my winning ticket the day before my birthday. The day of my birthday, we went down to Boot Hill Resort & Casino and I won $900 there. I guess you could say winning was my birthday present.”
Meitl and his wife, who will celebrate 40 years of marriage in February, plan to use their winnings for an anniversary trip. His eight friends, who he drinks coffee with, have requested a steak dinner.
The winning ticket was purchased at Spresser Tire & Service, located on Hwy 383 in Dresden. Dresden is located in Decatur County.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: October 22, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Garden City Man Wins $10,000 Powerball Prize!
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Garden City man was shocked to discover last Friday he had been holding a $10,000 winning Powerball ticket in his pocket for a couple of days. Jose’ Mosqueda matched four numbers plus the Powerball in the October 17 drawing, winning a $10,000 cash prize! The winning numbers were 01-07-10-23-42 Powerball 35. Mosqueda’s winning numbers were 01-07-14-23-42 Powerball 35.
“I stopped to check my ticket when I was on my way to work,” explained Mosqueda. “When I scanned my ticket, the Check A Ticket machine read, ‘Sign back of ticket,’ but never showed the amount I had won. Since I had never seen that message before, I decided to go to another store and check my ticket again.”
Getting the same message at the next store, Mosqueda asked a store clerk to verify his ticket.
“When the store clerk scanned my ticket, she yelled out, ‘Wow! You just won $10,000!’” said Mosqueda. “By the time I left the store, everyone knew how much I had won. It was very exciting.”
Shocked by the good news, Mosqueda said he became physically ill and had to call in sick to work.
“After hearing how much I had won, my stomach became sick and I knew I wouldn’t be able to work,” said Mosqueda. “I buy a $1 Quick Pick Powerball ticket every Wednesday and Saturday. You always hope to win, but when you do it’s hard to believe.”
Mosqueda, who works for Tyson Foods, has two daughters and seven grandchildren. His wife is currently living in Mexico, but plans to come to the United States soon. He was undecided how he would spend his winnings.
The winning ticket was purchased at Food Mart 3, located at 1505 Buffalo Jones Ave. in Garden City.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: October 22, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Second Holiday Millionaire Raffle Early Bird Winning Numbers Announced
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Lottery held its second Holiday Millionaire Raffle Early Bird drawing Sunday and two lucky tickets are each worth $10,000! The winning tickets were sold in northeast Kansas and south central Kansas.
The winning raffle numbers are:
031370 and 036095
One winning raffle number drawn in the first Early Bird drawing on Oct. 14 remains unclaimed. Raffle number 009843 was sold in northeast Kansas. Only 150,000 Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets are available. More than a third of the 150,000 tickets have now been sold.
The remaining Early Bird drawings will be held October 28, and November 4 and 11. Early Bird winners are still eligible for subsequent Early Bird drawings, the $1 million grand prize, or one of the other prizes drawn December 31, 2012. Tickets sold after the final Early Bird drawing on November 11, will only be eligible for raffle prizes drawn December 31. Players may only win one prize in the grand prize drawing December 31.
Players must retain their tickets to claim prizes! Winners have 365 days from the date of each drawing to claim a prize.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: October 22, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Super Kansas Cash Jackpot worth $160,000 Hit in Northeast Kansas; Jackpot Games Produce Big Winners over the Weekend!
TOPEKA, KAN. – Real people really win playing Kansas Lottery games. Jackpot games produced several big winners over the weekend. One ticket matched all numbers in the Saturday, October 20 Super Kansas Cash drawing, winning a jackpot prize worth $160,000! The winning numbers were 02-12-16-19-21 Cash Ball 23.
The northeast region of the state includes the following counties: Marshall, Nemaha, Brown, Doniphan, Riley, Pottawatomie, Jackson, Atchison, Geary, Wabaunsee, Shawnee, Jefferson, Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Johnson, Osage, Douglas, Franklin, Miami, Morris, and the northern half of Lyon.
In addition to the jackpot-winning ticket there were three winning Super Kansas Cash tickets each worth $2,000 in Saturday night’s drawing. One ticket was sold in northeast Kansas and two tickets were sold in southeast Kansas. The Super Kansas Cash jackpot returns to $100,000 for tonight’s drawing.
Super Kansas Cash wasn’t the only lucky game for Kansas Lottery players. Powerball produced two lucky tickets in Kansas; one ticket worth $40,000 and one ticket worth $10,000! Both winning tickets were sold in northeast Kansas! The winning Powerball numbers from Saturday night’s drawing were 04-21-28-31-44 Powerball 10. The jackpot for Wednesday night’s drawing is estimated at $90 million with a cash option of $57.8 million.
Hot Lotto was another lucky game for Kansas Lottery players. One ticket worth $10,000 was sold in northeast Kansas. The lucky ticket matched the first five Hot Lotto numbers, winning the cash prize. The winning Hot Lotto numbers in Saturday night’s drawing were 06-12-27-38-39 Hot Ball 16. The jackpot for Wednesday night’s drawing is an estimated $4.11 million with a cash option of $3.15 million.
DATE: October 23, 2012 CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Wamego Telecommunications Workers Win $10,000 Powerball Prize
TOPEKA, KAN. – Six friends and co-workers from Wamego Telecommunications are sharing a $10,000 prize in the October 17 Powerball drawing. They were just one number short of winning the jackpot, matching four of the first five numbers and the Powerball.
“We’re happy about our win, but we’re still dreaming of the big one,” said Dylan Francis, who claimed the prize at Lottery headquarters Monday.
Francis says he and his group always purchase a multi-draw ticket, which allows them to purchase up to 15 drawings on a single ticket. In this case, they had purchased ten drawings with a $20 multi-draw ticket. Had they also purchased the Power Play option, an extra $1 per play per drawing, they would have won $40,000! It was a fact that Francis and Tom Fulmer, a member of his group, took notice of immediately.
“We’re going to tell the other guys when we get back that we are going to play Power Play now, every single time!” they said.
The group purchased their lucky Quick Pick ticket at the place where they always buy their tickets: Short Stop 8, located at 807 Highway 24 in Wamego.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: October 24, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Kansas Lottery Offers Players a Chance to Receive Free Keno Ticket in October’s Silver Special Promotion
TOPEKA, KAN. – In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the Kansas Lottery has been offering players a chance to receive something “special” each month in the Silver Special promotion.
The Silver Special is offered on the 25th of each month to the first 2,500 players who wish to participate. Beginning at 5 a.m. tomorrow, players who purchase $2 of Kansas Hold‘Em will receive a FREE 4-Spot Keno ticket!
At the beginning of each month, 25 Players Club members are also drawn to receive $10 in Kansas Lottery coupons. If you are not a Players Club member, sign up today. It’s free! Twitter contests run each month as well, so start following @Kansas_Lottery on Twitter. Players can view the Silver Special for each month by visiting the Kansas Lottery’s website.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: October 24, 2012 CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Art in the Park Drawing at Lottery Headquarters October 26
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Lottery will conduct its Art in the Park second-chance drawing at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, October 26. The drawing will be held at the Lottery Headquarters and Claims Center, located at 108 N. Kansas Avenue in Topeka.
The guest draw official will be recent Kansas Artist of the Year Louis Copt. He created the four paintings depicting four parks in Kansas which are the grand prizes in the drawing: Lake Shawnee in Topeka, Tuttle Creek State Park in Manhattan, Finnup Park in Garden City, and Eisenhower Park in Abilene. The paintings will be on display at the time of the drawing.
The Kansas Lottery partnered with the Kansas Recreation and Park Association (KRPA) on the $2 Art in the Park instant scratch game to promote the benefits of local and state parks in Kansas. Each of the paintings is featured on the game ticket artwork.
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DATE: October 25, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Topeka Resident Claims $40,000 Powerball Power Play Prize
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka resident, who wished to remain anonymous, is very happy she added the Power Play option to her Powerball ticket for the October 20 drawing. The lucky winner matched four numbers plus the Powerball. That would have been a $10,000 winning ticket but since she added the Power Play option, she actually won a cash prize worth $40,000! The Topeka resident picked her own winning numbers using family members’ birthdays. She has been using the same numbers for the past 10 years.
The winning Powerball numbers for the Oct. 20 drawing were 4-21-28-31-44 Powerball 10. The Topeka resident’s winning numbers were 04-20-21-28-31 Powerball 10.
Players who purchase the Power Play option pay an additional $1 per play, but are guaranteed to win larger prizes. The guaranteed prizes range from $2 million for matching the first five Powerball numbers to $12 for matching only the Powerball number.
“On Sunday, I looked up the winning numbers in the paper,” said the winner. “Since I picked my own numbers and have been playing them for so long, I knew immediately I had won. My only concern was whether or not I added the Power Play option to my ticket. I usually always buy the Power Play option, but get in a hurry sometimes and forget. I was relieved when I checked my ticket and saw I had purchased Power Play. It took a while for everything to sink in.”
After double checking the winning numbers on the Kansas Lottery’s website, the Topeka resident signed the back of her winning ticket and placed it in a fire-proof safe.
“When you win that big of a prize, you think of things like your house burning down,” said the winner. “I wanted to make sure my ticket was safe.”
According to the winner, she plans to continue using her own winning numbers when playing Powerball. She will also continue adding the Power Play option.
“I don’t see why people wouldn’t add the Power Play option,” said the winner. “It pays out more when you win. That’s why when I play Hot Lotto, I always add the Sizzler option and when I play Mega Millions, I always add the Megaplier.”
The winning ticket was purchased at The Market, located at 4700 NW Hunter’s Ridge Circle in Topeka.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: October 26, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Third Early Bird Raffle Drawing Sunday; Two More Tickets to Win $10,000!
TOPEKA, KAN. – Sales of Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets continue to be brisk, as the Lottery prepares for the third of five Early Bird drawings this Sunday evening. In each Early Bird drawing, two tickets are drawn to win $10,000.
So far, three players have come forward to claim $10,000 Holiday Millionaire Early Bird prizes, one from the October 14 drawing and two from the October 21 drawing. One winning ticket has yet to BE claimed – number 009843.
All Early Bird drawings are held at approximately 9:15 p.m., with the winning raffle numbers being posted on the Kansas Lottery website at approximately 10:00 p.m. After Sunday, the remaining Early Bird drawings will be held November 4 and November 11.
Only 150,000 $20 Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets will be sold in this Kansas-only game. When they’re gone, they’re gone! As of 8:00 a.m. this morning, there were 87,628 raffle tickets remaining. Raffle sales started October 1.
All Early Bird winners are still eligible for subsequent Early Bird drawings, the $1 million grand prize, or one of the other prizes drawn December 31, 2012. Tickets sold after the final Early Bird drawing November 11, will only be eligible for raffle prizes drawn December 31. Players must retain and present their tickets to claim a prize!
For more information on the Holiday Millionaire Raffle, other games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: October 26, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Art in the Park Grand Prize Winners Win Original Louis Copt Paintings
TOPEKA, KAN. – Four lucky players have each won a beautiful original painting by recent Kansas Artist of the Year Louis Copt in a second-chance lottery drawing. Copt himself drew the winning entries today at Lottery headquarters.
The drawing was the culmination of the $2 Art in the Park instant scratch game. Players who entered non-winning Art in the Park tickets were eligible for the second-chance drawing. The grand prize winners are:
1. Kimberly Noles of Bonaire, GA. 2. Pam Kasper of Manhattan 3. Sharon Walker of Wellington 4. James Sanderson of Newton
The tickets feature the original paintings that were awarded as prizes. The paintings depict four parks in Kansas: Lake Shawnee in Topeka, Tuttle Creek State Park in Manhattan, Finnup Park in Garden City, and Eisenhower Park in Abilene. The first winner drawn will get first choice; the second winner will get second choice, and so on. Including mandatory state and federal income withholding taxes, each grand prize is valued at approximately $11,600.
The Kansas Lottery partnered with the Kansas Recreation and Park Association (KRPA) and renowned landscape artist Louis Copt to develop the game.
“The Lottery is happy to provide these beautiful paintings by a renowned Kansas artist to four lucky players,” said Lottery Executive Director Dennis Wilson. “It’s a great way for us to celebrate the arts in Kansas, as well as the natural beauty of our parks.”
The KRPA is grateful for this unique opportunity to bring attention to the many parks in Kansas. “The Lottery’s Art in the Park game provided us a statewide reach to help promote the benefits of local and state parks throughout the state,” said the KRPA’s Bonnie Simon.
The Kansas Lottery received approximately 7,550 entries for the Art in the Park second- chance drawing.
DATE: October 29, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Wichita Resident Wins $14,681 Playing an 8-Spot Keno Ticket!
TOPEKA, KAN. – While playing in a pool league last Thursday, 26-year-old Heidi Potter decided to try her luck playing Keno. The Wichita resident played an 8-Spot Keno with the Bull’s-eye option for five consecutive games. As she watched the winning numbers come up for each of her games, she was shocked to discover she had matched all eight numbers on the fourth game she played, winning $14,681!
“When I was filling out my Keno play slip, I picked two numbers and asked each of my friends to pick two numbers,” said Potter. “I was going to play a 9-Spot, but realized if I played an 8-Spot, I could win the progressive jackpot. When all my numbers came up, I looked at my friends and said, ‘I think I just won $10,000!’”
Players who purchase a 6, 7, or 8-Spot Keno ticket are eligible to win progressive jackpots when they match all numbers on their Keno ticket. Potter won an additional $4,681 by winning the progressive jackpot, bringing her total winnings to $14,681!
“I hardly buy Keno tickets,” said Potter. “It’s always a spur of the moment thing for me. After the bartender looked up how much I had won, our team didn’t play very well that night. We were all shocked.”
Potter, a student at Butler Community College, plans to save her winnings. She purchased her winning ticket at Judy’s Club, located at 1300 S. Seneca in Wichita.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: October 29, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Holiday Millionaire Raffle Tickets Nearly Half Sold!
TOPEKA, KAN. – Nearly half of the Kansas Lottery’s Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets have been sold, in the game that gives players a chance to win $1 million in the December 31 grand prize drawing. As of 8 a.m. this morning there were 80,633 tickets remaining!
The third of five Holiday Millionaire Raffle Early Bird drawings was held Sunday and two lucky tickets are each worth $10,000! The winning tickets were both sold in northeast Kansas.
The winning raffle numbers are:
046277 and 068323
The remaining Early Bird drawings will be held November 4 and 11. With nearly half of the raffle tickets remaining, the Kansas Lottery encourages players to get their tickets before they’re gone! Early Bird winners are still eligible for subsequent Early Bird drawings, the $1 million grand prize, or one of the other prizes drawn December 31, 2012. Tickets sold after the final Early Bird drawing on November 11, will only be eligible for raffle tickets drawn in the grand prize drawing December 31. Players may only win one prize in the grand prize drawing.
Players must retain their tickets to claim prizes! Winners have 365 days from the date of each drawing to claim a prize.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: October 29, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Abilene Contortionist Adds “Kansas Lottery Winner” to List of Feats
TOPEKA, KAN. – 42-year-old Raymond Gonzales’ claim to fame is being featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not® books and comic strip in 2009 and 2011. Gonzales is a contortionist, who can turn his feet backwards, a fact that was confirmed when he demonstrated his talent for Lottery officials. Now, Gonzales can add “Kansas Lottery winner” to his lists of feats. Last Friday, Gonzales purchased a $2 New Royalty instant scratch ticket, winning a $10,000 top prize!
“I stopped at a convenience store in Salina before picking up my kids for the weekend,” explained Gonzales. “After buying the ticket, I stopped at my daughter’s house and ate pizza. While we were eating, I scratched the ticket. When I realized I had won $10,000, I asked my daughter to double check it. She was astonished. All she could say was, ‘Oh my goodness! You just won $10,000!’”
According to Gonzales, he buys Kansas Lottery instant scratch tickets a few times a month and usually plays $2 games.
“Winning $10,000 came at a great time,” said Gonzales. “My wife Rachele and I were married in July. We are going on a late honeymoon trip next week. We’re also moving soon, so part of my winnings will go towards those expenses.”
Gonzales, who has been in the National Guard for 23 years and served a tour in Iraq and Egypt, plans to retire from the military soon. He has eight children and three stepchildren and works as a technician, building tank engines, at Fort Riley.
The winning ticket was purchased at Iron Pump, located at 418 E. Iron Ave. in Salina.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: October 30, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Inman Resident Passes the Time with $20,000 Winning Ticket
TOPEKA, KAN. – According to Marsha Vedder, she enjoys passing the time playing the Kansas Lottery’s $2 Bonus Crossword instant scratch tickets. On Sunday, the Inman resident purchased two tickets, revealing all 10 words on the second ticket she scratched, winning a $20,000 top prize!
“At first I thought I had won $100,” said Vedder. “As I kept revealing more words, I thought I must have won $2,000. It wasn’t until I got home and showed my son the ticket that I realized I had missed another letter. That letter caused me to reveal all 10 words on my ticket. I couldn’t believe it. I won $20,000! I told my son he was going to have to take me to the emergency room.”
Although Vedder was certain she had won a $20,000 top prize it didn’t sink in until Lottery officials verified her winning ticket Monday.
“I was a little uncertain since I thought I had won other amounts,” said Vedder. “My daughter bought the ticket after mine and had a few choice words when I told her how much I thought I had won. She’s happy for me, but wishes she had bought the winning ticket. Bonus Crossword tickets are my favorite game because they take a while to play. I’ve had good luck with the $5 Crossword tickets. I’ve won $1,000 twice, but this is my first big win on the $2 game.”
Vedder, who retired in August, has three children, four grandchildren and five great- grandchildren. She plans to pay bills and put new siding on her home with the winnings.
The winning ticket was purchased at KAPS 1002, located at 1035 W. Kansas Ave. in McPherson.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: October 30, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Junction City Resident Claims $10,000 Early Bird Prize
TOPEKA, KAN. – Linda Pianka and her husband Walter have faithfully played the Kansas Lottery’s Holiday Millionaire Raffle game every fall since the game began in 2009. This year, the Junction City residents purchased their tickets early, so they would be eligible for the Holiday Millionaire Raffle Early Bird drawings and it’s paid off! Today, Linda Pianka claimed a $10,000 cash prize from the October 28 Early Bird drawing! Her winning raffle number was 068323.
“Every year, we buy tickets here and there until the game sells out,” said Pianka. “We keep trying every year to win and it finally happened. Monday morning, I was walking on my tread climber when my husband came downstairs with his laptop. He set the laptop down and asked me to come take a look. He had the winning raffle numbers on the screen and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. We had actually won $10,000 in Sunday’s Early Bird drawing.”
Winning a large prize playing Kansas Lottery games is nothing new for Pianka. In 2003, the Junction City resident won $25,000 playing Powerball with the Power Play option.
“My mother always said I was lucky,” said Pianka.
Pianka and her husband, who have been married 18 years, are taking a trip to Walt Disney World & Resort® in Florida next week.
“Having a little extra spending money for our trip will be nice,” said Pianka. “We’re also planning a trip to Jamaica and St. Lucia next year, so we’ll save some of our winnings for that trip.”
The winning ticket was purchased at Dillons 44, located at 618 W. 6th St. in Junction City.
DATE: November 1, 2012 CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Holiday Millionaire Raffle Tickets Half Gone!
TOPEKA, KAN. – Kansas Lottery players still have time to purchase Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets, but they should hurry if they want a chance to win $1 million! Sales in the Kansas Lottery’s raffle game are passing the halfway mark. Only 150,000 tickets will be sold. As of late this afternoon, approximately 75,500 tickets remain in the Kansas-only raffle.
Players have an extra incentive to purchase tickets now. Two more Early Bird Raffle drawings will be held November 4 and 11, with two $10,000 prizes awarded in each drawing. All tickets sold at the time of the drawings are eligible to win Early Bird prizes, as well as a prize in the Holiday Millionaire Raffle grand prize drawing December 31.
The Holiday Millionaire Raffle Grand Prize Drawing will give players their best chance of any game, at 1 in 150,000, of winning $1 million. Twenty-five $5,000 prizes, 25 $1,000 prizes, and 2,500 $100 prizes will also be awarded.
This year’s raffle game went on sale October 1. Tickets sell for $20 each. The Executive Director of the Kansas Lottery is optimistic that this year’s game will sell out, as raffles have in the past three years.
“The Raffle is special in that it’s only offered once a year,” said Dennis Wilson. “Our players always look forward to getting their tickets, and of course we enjoy giving away that $1 million top prize and other great cash prizes each year.”
Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets are available at all Kansas Lottery retail locations. The minimum age to purchase a lottery ticket is 18. As with any lottery game, the Kansas Lottery reminds players to play responsibly, sign their tickets and keep them in a safe place until the drawing. Players must retain their original Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets to claim a prize!
DATE: November 2, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Fourth Holiday Millionaire Raffle Early Bird Drawing Sunday; Two Tickets to Win $10,000 each!
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Lottery will conduct its fourth Holiday Millionaire Raffle Early Bird drawing this Sunday, Nov. 4. With raffle ticket sales past the halfway mark and only two Early Bird drawings remaining, players should get their tickets before they’re gone! As of 8 a.m. this morning, there were 74,904 raffle tickets remaining.
In each Early Bird drawing, two tickets are drawn to win $10,000. The drawing is held at approximately 9:15 p.m., with the winning raffle numbers being posted on the Kansas Lottery website at approximately 10:00 p.m. After Sunday, only one Early Bird drawing remains. The final Early Bird drawing will be held November 11.
All Early Bird winners are still eligible for subsequent Early Bird drawings, the $1 million grand prize, or one of the other prizes drawn December 31, 2012. Tickets sold after the final Early Bird drawing November 11, will only be eligible for raffle prizes drawn December 31. Players must retain and present their tickets to claim a prize!
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: November 2, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
“Keepin’ it in Kansas” with Super Kansas Cash; 25 Players to Each Win $2,500 Gift Card in Drawing
TOPEKA, KAN. – Super Kansas Cash is a Kansas-only game offering players two plays for $1, and jackpots starting at $100,000! If that isn’t enough incentive to purchase a Super Kansas Cash ticket, the Kansas Lottery is upping the ante. Beginning November 4, players who purchase $5 or more of Super Kansas Cash on a single ticket will receive an entry form for a chance to win one of 25 gift cards worth $2,500 each for merchandise from Rally House and Kansas Sampler stores in its Keepin’ it in Kansas drawing.
To enter the Keepin’ it in Kansas drawing, players must legibly enter their name, complete address and telephone number in the area indicated on the entry form. Players may place one or more entries in an envelope, affix proper postage and mail to:
Keepin’ it in Kansas Kansas Lottery P.O. Box 8099 Topeka, KS 66608-0099
Entries must be received by the morning mail pickup in Topeka, Kan., February 26, 2013. No later than 5 p.m. on this date, players may also deposit entries into any receptacle specifically designated for this drawing by the Lottery. Players may enter as often as they wish, but may only win one prize.
The drawing will be conducted March 1, 2013. Players need not be present to win. Twenty-five names will be drawn, with each winner receiving a $2,500 Rally House/Kansas Sampler gift card good for merchandise at any of their locations, or at rallyhouse.com and kansassampler.com. Each prize also includes mandatory state and federal withholding taxes. Each prize is valued at approximately $3,571.
DATE: November 5, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Two Tickets worth $10,000 each in Fourth Holiday Millionaire Raffle Early Bird Drawing
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Lottery conducted its fourth Holiday Millionaire Raffle Early Bird drawing Sunday and two tickets are each worth $10,000! The winning raffle tickets were sold in northeast and south central Kansas.
The winning raffle numbers are:
001297 and 004713
After Sunday’s drawing, only one Early Bird drawing remains. The final Early Bird drawing will be held Sunday, November 11. All Early Bird winners are still eligible for the final Early Bird drawing, the $1 million grand prize, or one of the other prizes drawn December 31, 2012. Tickets sold after the final Early Bird drawing, will only be eligible for raffle tickets drawn in the grand prize drawing December 31. Players may only win one prize in the grand prize drawing.
Players must retain their tickets to claim prizes! Winners have 365 days from the date of each drawing to claim a prize.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: November 8, 2012 CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Kansas Lottery Turning 25 Years Old; Public Invited to November 13 Birthday Party
TOPEKA, KAN. – It was November 12, 1987, when the Kansas Lottery sold its very first ticket. Sales of the first instant game, Up and Away, were $7 million the first week. The Lottery has been going strong ever since, and will celebrate its 25th birthday next week.
Players, the public and former employees are invited to a special Kansas Lottery birthday celebration and player appreciation open house. Details are as follows:
KANSAS LOTTERY BIRTHDAY PARTY Tuesday, November 13 2-4 p.m. Lottery Headquarters 108 N. Kansas Ave. Topeka
The event will begin in the parking lot with short comments from Dennis Wilson, the current Kansas Lottery executive director, as well as Larry Montgomery, the Lottery’s first executive director (1987-89). A celebratory balloon release will follow.
Cake and punch will be served inside Lottery headquarters, and all participants 18 or older will have a chance to “spin the prize wheel” for FREE lottery merchandise, while supplies last. 94.5 Country will broadcast live from the Lottery. A Veterans Service Mobile Delivery Unit, paid for with proceeds from special Kansas Lottery Veteran’s games, will also be on display.
The Kansas Lottery’s fun new mascots, Powerball and Megaball, will be on hand to meet and greet visitors. There will also be display of vintage Lottery products and promotional items.
DATE: November 9, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Final Holiday Millionaire Raffle Early Bird Drawing Sunday; Two Tickets to Win $10,000 Each!
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Lottery will conduct its fifth and final Holiday Millionaire Raffle Early Bird drawing November 11, giving raffle players a chance to win one of two $10,000 prizes!
So far, six players have come forward to claim $10,000 Holiday Millionaire Early Bird prizes. Two winning tickets remain unclaimed; one from the October 28 drawing, and one from the November 4 drawing. The unclaimed winning raffle numbers are 046277 and 004713.
Sunday’s Early Bird drawing will be held at approximately 9:15 p.m., with the winning raffle numbers being posted on the Kansas Lottery website at approximately 10:00 p.m.
All Early Bird winners are still eligible for the $1 million grand prize, or one of the other prizes drawn December 31, 2012. Players must retain and present their tickets to claim a prize!
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: November 13, 2012 CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Kansas Lottery Celebrates 25th Birthday!
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Lottery celebrated its 25th birthday today with a birthday party at Lottery headquarters in Topeka. Players, members of the public and former employees enjoyed birthday cake, spun a prize wheel for free Lottery merchandise, saw a display of vintage Lottery memorabilia and and enjoyed the antics of the Lottery’s new mascots, Powerball and Megaball.
They also witnessed Kansas Lottery Executive Director Dennis Wilson, and first director Larry Montgomery (1987-89), release celebratory balloons to mark the occasion. Both directors reflected on how far the Kansas Lottery has come in 25 years. It was November 12, 1987, when the Kansas Lottery sold its first ticket.
“We started out with just a single $1 instant scratch game, Up and Away, and sold that game for several weeks,” said Montgomery. “Players were extremely enthusiastic. In fact, they purchased $7 million worth of tickets in our first week!” Lottery sales have built steadily over the years and hit a new record this year.
“Thanks to the continued support of our players, in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012, the Kansas Lottery reached a new sales record of $246 million,” Wilson reported. “At the same time, we transferred $72 million to the state, also a record.”
Speaking of records, the Kansas Lottery had its biggest jackpot winner ever this year when a Franklin County player matched all numbers in the March 30 Mega Millions drawing, and shared a $656 million jackpot with players in two other states.
So far, the Lottery has created more than 60 millionaires! The number of players who have won $1 million or more and the games they won are: 3 – Holiday Millionaire Raffle, 18 – Super Kansas Cash, 15 – Powerball, 1 – Mega Millions, 4 – Hot Lotto, 9 – Kansas Cash, 8 – Lotto America, 1 – Club Keno Million Dollar Giveaway, and 1 – Cash Lotto. Four players also won “$1,000 a week for life” in Cash 4 Life.
Countless other players have won prizes ranging from $1 up to hundreds of thousands of dollars without hitting a jackpot, plus the Lottery has given away an impressive array of vehicles of all descriptions – boats, cars, trucks, golf carts, motorcycles, even an RV – plus all kinds of trips, electronics and even original art, in second-chance drawings and special promotions.
Since the beginning, the Kansas Lottery has:
x Produced net sales of $4.4 Billion x Awarded $2.4 Billion in Game Prizes x Transferred $1.33 Billion to the State
The majority of funds from the Kansas Lottery are dedicated to economic development. Some Lottery revenue also pays for prison construction and maintenance, juvenile detention facilities, the problem gambling grant fund and the State General Fund. For more formation, visit http://www.kslottery.com/aboutus/wherethemoneygoes.aspx.
Lottery revenue from selling special Veteran’s tickets goes directly to programs that benefit Kansas military veterans. Since legislation authorizing the games was passed in 2003, the Lottery has transferred more than $8.6 million from sales of Veteran’s games to designated programs. In honor of Veteran’s Day, Lottery representatives are this month holding promotions throughout the state to raise awareness of Veteran’s games.
“I commend our Lottery staff, current and past, for their creativity, top-notch customer service and commitment to doing a great job for Kansas,” said Wilson. “It’s especially gratifying to see we have ten employees who signed on with the Lottery 25 years ago and are still here today because they love what we do.”
The Kansas Lottery currently sells $1, $2, $5, $10 and $20 instant scratch tickets and $1 and $2 pull tabs. In addition, Kansas Lottery players enjoy Powerball, Mega Millions, Hot Lotto, Super Kansas Cash, Pick 3, 2by2, Keno and Kansas Hold’Em online games. Kansas Lottery products are sold at more than 1,800 retailers.
The Kansas Lottery entered a new era in 2007 with passage of the Kansas Expanded Lottery Act authorizing the Lottery to own and operate casino gaming. Boot Hill Casino in Dodge City was the first casino to open with state-owned and -operated gaming in December 2009. Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane started operations in December 2011, and Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway was right behind in February 2012. The casinos generate revenue, not only for the state, but for the local communities in which they are located.
For more information on Kansas Lottery games, winners, promotions, casinos and much more, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: November 13, 2012 CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Kansas Lottery Commission to Meet November 14
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Lottery Commission will hold its November meeting at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 14, 2012, at the Kansas Lottery Headquarters and Claims Center, located at 108 N. Kansas Ave., Topeka, Kan. The meeting is open to the public. The agenda for the meeting is attached.
Parties interested in listening to the Lottery Commission meeting may do so by accessing a teleconference line at the Lottery’s expense. The conference line is provided as a courtesy to the public. If for any reason the conference line is unavailable, the meeting will still be open to the public at the address stated above.
CONFERENCE CALL INSTRUCTIONS
Dial the Phone Number: (866) 620-7326 Enter this Conference Code when prompted: 8357016693#
NOTE: Nonparticipating callers, please mute your phone to reduce noise on the line and to allow for an orderly meeting. To mute your phone, press *6; to unmute your phone, press #6.
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DATE: November 13, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Two Tickets worth $10,000 each in Final Holiday Millionaire Raffle Early Bird Drawing
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Lottery conducted its fifth and final Holiday Millionaire Raffle Early Bird drawing November 11, and two tickets are each worth $10,000! The winning raffle tickets were sold in southwest and south central Kansas.
The winning raffle numbers are:
022258 and 045322
All Early Bird winners are still eligible for the $1 million grand prize, or one of the other prizes drawn December 31, 2012. Players may only win one prize in the grand prize drawing.
Players must retain their tickets to claim prizes! Winners have 365 days from the date of each drawing to claim a prize.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: November 19, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Oklahoma Resident Claims $250,000 Mega Millions Prize!
TOPEKA, KAN. – An Oklahoma resident, who wished to remain anonymous, has claimed a $250,000 cash prize in the November 16 Mega Millions drawing! The winner was literally one number away from winning the $26 million jackpot for Friday night’s drawing. The winning numbers were 05-24-26-29-53 Mega Ball 36. The winner’s winning numbers were 05-24-26-29-53 Mega Ball 37.
“I’ve been working in Kansas for a few months and play Kansas Lottery tickets every evening when I get off work,” said the winner. “I checked my ticket Saturday and was shocked when I realized I had won $250,000.”
After calling his mom and girlfriend with the good news, the winner called his boss and asked for a day off today to claim his prize.
“I definitely didn’t mind making the trip to Topeka to claim my prize,” said the winner. “Now I can pay off a few bills and have a nice Christmas.”
The winning ticket was purchased at Mini Stop, located at 7200 S. Broadway in Haysville.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: November 20, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Overland Park Resident’s Daily Routine Pays Off with $10,000 Win
TOPEKA, KAN. – Part of Lorena Kraft’s daily routine consists of purchasing a $2 Kansas Lottery instant scratch ticket. This morning when the Overland Park resident purchased a $2 Fire & Ice 5s game, she was amazed to discover she had won a top prize worth $10,000 playing the game!
“I stopped for gas this morning and purchased a $2 scratch ticket while I was buying my Powerball and Hot Lotto tickets for tonight’s drawing,” said Kraft. “I went back out to my car and decided to scratch my ticket before leaving the parking lot. When I realized how much I had won, I said to myself, ‘This can’t be right,’ so I went back into the store and asked to have my ticket checked.”
One of the store clerks, who Kraft is familiar with, looked at the winning ticket and was surprised by her big win, too.
“When I handed him my ticket, I asked him if the ticket was real” said Kraft. “He looked it over and said, ‘Oh my gosh, you won $10,000!’ It was all very exciting.”
After calling her daughter with the good news, Kraft decided not to wait to claim her prize and made a trip Lottery headquarters in Topeka.
“I can’t wait to show off my faux check at Thanksgiving,” said Kraft. “Everyone will be so surprised. I’m sure it will make their mouths drop.”
Kraft, who is a retired financial advisor, plans to invest her winnings. She purchased her winning ticket at QuikTrip 240, located at 11902 Riley St. in Overland Park.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: November 24, 2012 CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Powerball Jackpot Estimated at $325 Million for Saturday’s Drawing
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Lottery wishes its players the very best of luck in tonight’s Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is a whopping $325 million! It is the fourth largest in the game’s history. If one ticket matches all five numbers along with the Powerball number, that winner will receive a $212.8 million lump sum before taxes. If the winner chooses the annuity option, he or she will receive annual installments for 29 years equal to the full $325 million, minus taxes.
Other great cash prizes are also up for grabs in the Powerball drawing. Any ticket that matches the first five numbers will be worth $1 million, or $2 million if the player has purchased the Power Play option. Other matches will also bring the ticket holder cash prizes, as shown in this chart: http://www.kslottery.com/Games/PWBLOdds.aspx.
The cost of one Powerball play is $2, or $3 if the Power Play option is purchased. The Power Play option multiplies all prizes won.
Another Reason to Purchase Powerball with Power Play!
The Kansas Lottery continues its anniversary gifts to players, with November’s Silver Special. Beginning at 5 a.m. Sunday, November 25, the first 2,500 players to purchase a Powerball with Power Play ticket will receive a FREE $1 Super Kansas Cash ticket. Lottery terminals will print the Super Kansas Cash tickets automatically.
In celebration of its 25th anniversary this year, the Kansas Lottery has been offering players a chance to receive something “special” each month in the Silver Special promotion.
At the beginning of each month, 25 Players Club members are also drawn to receive $10 in Kansas Lottery coupons. If you are not a Players Club member, sign up today. It’s FREE! Twitter contests run each month as well, so start following @Kansas_Lottery on Twitter. Players can view the Silver Special for each month by visiting the Kansas Lottery’s website www.kslottery.com. ###
DATE: November 26, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Fort Scott Resident Wins $10,000 – Plans to Rebuild After House Fire
TOPEKA, KAN. – After watching a friend purchase a Powerball ticket last Saturday, Melissa Arne decided she may as well buy herself a ticket, too. This morning when she checked her Powerball ticket, she couldn’t believe what she was seeing. The Fort Scott resident matched four numbers plus the Powerball, winning a $10,000 cash prize in the November 24 drawing!
“I very seldom play Powerball, so I had to look up what I had won in one of the Lottery’s How to Play brochures,” said Arne. “When it showed $10,000, I started shaking really bad.”
Before making the trip to Lottery headquarters in Topeka, Arne and a friend stopped at a convenience store to verify her winning ticket.
“When the store told me I had to bring my ticket to Topeka, I knew there was no doubt how much I had won,” said Arne. “I’ve been kicking myself for not playing the Power Play option, but I’m still very happy to have won $10,000.”
According to Arne, winning a large cash prize came at a great time.
“My house burned down two months, so this money will help us rebuild,” said Arne. “I’m buying Powerball tickets with the Power Play option for Wednesday’s drawing so maybe I’ll win again.” The Powerball jackpot for Wednesday night’s drawing is a record $425 million with a cash option of $278.3 million!
Arne, who attends school at Fort Scott Community College, has two children.
The winning ticket was purchased at 5 Corners Mini Mart located at 1124 S. Clark in Fort Scott.
DATE: November 26, 2012 CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Tonganoxie Man Wins $20,000 after Tough Year
TOPEKA, KAN. – This has been a very difficult year for Robert Sanderson and his family. Sanderson’s wife of 32 years, Evelyn, passed away last month after a long illness. What happened on November 21, which would have been Evelyn’s 71st birthday, makes Sanderson wonder whether his wife is still looking out for him.
“I bought two $2 Bonus Crosswords at the store at 5 a.m. that morning and took them home to scratch off,” Sanderson explained. “I was excited because I thought I’d won $2,000 on one of them. It wasn’t until I got to the Lottery office that I found out I’d really won $20,000!”
“I have to give my wife some credit for that,” Sanderson said. “It’s a good thing to happen after all the stress and sadness of the past year.”
Sanderson has been retired since 2004 and says he will use the prize money to have some work done on his car and save the rest.
The lucky $20,000 Bonus Crossword ticket was purchased at Fast Trax 115, located at 420 Stonecreek Drive in Tonganoxie.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
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For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Sally Lunsford, 785-296-5708, [email protected]
Powerball® Excitement Soars with Record $425 Million Jackpot ~ Lottery Players will be Lining up Nationwide to make History with Wednesday Night’s Draw ~
TOPEKA, KANSAS – History will be made Wednesday night when millions of players vie for the biggest Powerball® jackpot ever offered by the game. Wednesday’s estimated $425 million jackpot is currently the largest in the world, and is generating excitement among both the game’s loyal players as well as many who will be playing for the first time.
The previous record-high Powerball jackpot was $365 million, won in 2006. Kansas Lottery Director Dennis Wilson says when jackpots move above $250 million, it’s not uncommon to have multiple jackpot winners.
“With such a large amount of money at stake, people are more apt to join with office groups, social clubs, family or friends to purchase a large pool of tickets together. While having a single winner is great, people also like to see a group share the wealth,” said Wilson.
Prior to Powerball’s redesign in January, many players had been asking for a greater variety of significant prizes to be available, while still having the ability to play for the big, multi-million dollar jackpot. The new prize structure appears to be fulfilling that request, Wilson said.
Norm Lingle, National Powerball Chair and the Executive Director of the South Dakota Lottery says if Wednesday night’s draw yields Powerball’s largest jackpot winner ever, that individual or group should prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“The excitement that follows a win like this is incredible, and players should prepare for it as best they can. We always advise people to sign the back of their tickets immediately, put them in a safe place, and be thinking about the resources they’ll need if they do hit the big one, like a trusted financial advisor; good legal advice; and strong support from family and friends,” said Lingle. “With those elements in place and the winning ticket, you can be ready to truly enjoy the win.”
Since its inception in April 1992 in 15 states including Kansas, with jackpots that started at a guaranteed $2 million, Powerball has grown into the world’s biggest and most recognized lottery game. Today it’s played in 44 jurisdictions across the nation, with players buying more than $3 billion annually in Powerball tickets. The biggest jackpot in the game so far was a $365 million prize split by eight co-workers at a Nebraska meat-packing plant in February 2006.
About Powerball® Powerball® drawings are Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time, 9:59 p.m. Central Time, 8:59 p.m. Mountain Time and 7:59 p.m. Pacific Time. For more information about Powerball® please visit www.powerball.com.
The 44 U.S. lotteries where Powerball® is available are: Arizona Lottery, Arkansas Lottery, Colorado Lottery, Connecticut Lottery Corporation, D.C. Lottery & CGCB, Delaware State Lottery, Florida Lottery, Georgia Lottery Corporation, Hoosier Lottery, Idaho Lottery, Illinois Lottery, Iowa Lottery, Kansas Lottery, Kentucky Lottery Corporation, Louisiana Lottery Corporation, Maine Lottery, Maryland Lott, Massachusetts Lottery, Michigan Lottery, Minnesota State Lottery, Missouri Lottery, Montana Lottery, Nebraska Lottery, New Hampshire Lottery Commission, New Jersey Lottery, New Mexico Lottery Authority, New York Lottery, North Carolina Education Lottery, North Dakota Lottery, Ohio Lottery, Oklahoma Lottery, Oregon Lottery, Pennsylvania Lottery, Rhode Island Lottery, South Carolina Education Lottery, South Dakota Lottery, Tennessee Education Lottery, Texas Lottery, U.S. Virgin Islands Lottery, Vermont Lottery, Virginia Lottery, Washington Lottery, Wisconsin Lottery and the West Virginia Lottery.
Powerball® is owned by the Multi-State Lottery Association which is a government-benefit, non-profit association owned and operated by 33 member lotteries. MUSL currently coordinates six multi-state games in the United States. Powerball® and Power Play® are registered trademarks of the Multi-State Lottery Association. ###
DATE: November 27, 2012 CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Powerball Jackpot Now Estimated at $500 Million! Ticket Buying Excitement Spreads Across Kansas
TOPEKA, KAN. – Could Kansas have another record multi-million dollar jackpot winner? It could happen if a ticket sold in Kansas matches all numbers in tomorrow night’s Powerball drawing!
The monster jackpot is now an estimated $500 million (annuity), with a cash option of $327 million, and sets a new record for Powerball. Excitement over a record jackpot is spurring sales nationwide, leading the Multi-State Lottery Association to raise the jackpot estimate today.
“It’s certainly possible that a Kansas player could win or share in this incredible jackpot. It’s happened before,” said Neysa Thomas, Deputy Executive Director of the Kansas Lottery.
A Kansas ticket sold in Ottawa shared a third of a $656 million world record Mega Millions jackpot on March 30 of this year. Players hoping to find similar luck are flocking to Lottery retailers throughout the state for a chance to win another record jackpot.
“I’m thinking it would be great to hit it in Kansas, especially if it’s a ticket that’s sold at my store!” said Craig Hoffman, owner of Gas N Shop 1 in Topeka. Hoffman says sales are picking up and will be especially brisk tomorrow.
“We’re definitely seeing a big increase in the number of Powerball tickets we’re selling,” said David Hammond, manager of Quik Trip 366 in Wichita. “By tomorrow, we expect long lines and a real buying frenzy.”
“It’s already very busy. By Wednesday, we’ll probably have one person whose job it is just to print Powerball tickets,” reported Dustin Gillihan, a cashier at Petro Deli in Topeka. “There is definitely a lot of excitement about this huge jackpot,” reported Tommy Ly, owner of KC Gas and Grocery in Wichita. “Everybody wants to win, including me!”
Powerball jackpots start at $40 million. This will be the 16th Powerball drawing since a Delaware player captured a $50 million jackpot on October 3, 2012. Powerball costs $2 per play, or $3 if the player purchases Power Play, which multiplies all prizes won except for the jackpot.
“We’re expecting very high Powerball sales in Kansas for this drawing,” said Thomas. “Kansas sales were $3.4 million for the single drawing March 30, 2012, that produced the world record Mega Millions jackpot, and it’s possible we could surpass that.”
While large jackpots generate excitement, the Kansas Lottery reminds players to play responsibly and not spend beyond their means. Players must be 18 years of age or older to purchase lottery tickets.
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DATE: November 28, 2012 CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Kansas Powerball Sales $3.03 Million and Growing!
TOPEKA, KAN. – Powerball tickets are flying out of the terminals at Lottery retailers throughout the state as players line up to make sure they have a chance at winning a record Powerball jackpot tonight. The record Powerball jackpot currently stands at an estimated $550 million (annuity), or cash lump sum of $360.2 million.
From 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, the Kansas Lottery sold nearly $1.8 million worth of Powerball tickets. That pushes total Kansas sales for tonight’s drawing to more than $3.03 million, with several hours left for players to purchase tickets. The cut-off for purchasing tickets is 8:59 p.m., with the drawing being conducted at 9:59 p.m. Kansas time.
If a Kansas ticket were the single winning ticket in tonight’s drawing, and the ticket holder chose the cash lump sum, the winner would receive a check for approximately $252 million, after paying approximately $18 million in state taxes (5 percent) and $90 million in federal taxes (25 percent).
The jackpot isn’t the only prize up for grabs in tonight’s Powerball drawing. In addition to the record jackpot prize, hundreds of thousands of players will win secondary prizes at cash levels ranging from $4 to $1 million ($12 to $2 million if the winning player has purchased the Power Play option.) For more information on Powerball, including how to play and where to purchase tickets, visit www.kslottery.com.
While large jackpots generate excitement, the Kansas Lottery reminds players to play responsibly and not spend beyond their means. Players must be 18 years of age or older to purchase lottery tickets.
DATE: November 28, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Kansas Powerball Sales Increase to $3.62 Million and Climbing!
TOPEKA, KAN. – Kansas Lottery players are getting excited about tonight’s record- breaking $550 million Powerball jackpot and ticket sales are climbing!
Total Powerball sales in Kansas have now reached $3.624 million, with several hours left for players to purchase tickets. The cut-off for purchasing tickets is 8:59 p.m., with the drawing being conducted at 9:59 p.m. Kansas time.
If a Kansas ticket were the single winning ticket in tonight’s drawing, and the ticket holder chose the cash lump sum, the winner would receive a check for approximately $252 million, after paying approximately $18 million in state taxes (5 percent) and $90 million in federal taxes (25 percent).
The jackpot isn’t the only prize up for grabs in tonight’s Powerball drawing. In addition to the record jackpot prize, hundreds of thousands of players will win secondary prizes at cash levels ranging from $4 to $1 million ($12 to $2 million if the winning player has purchased the Power Play option.) For more information on Powerball, including how to play and where to purchase tickets, visit www.kslottery.com.
While large jackpots generate excitement, the Kansas Lottery reminds players to play responsibly and not spend beyond their means. Players must be 18 years of age or older to purchase lottery tickets.
DATE: November 29, 2012 CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Two of Six $10,000 Powerball Tickets Claimed; Winners from Burlington and Topeka
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Burlington couple, playing Powerball for the very first time, have claimed a $10,000 prize for matching four of the first five numbers and the Powerball in last night’s drawing.
Connie and Randy Leal said they drove from Burlington to Topeka yesterday afternoon to have lunch. Of course, they had heard all the hoopla about the record Powerball drawing. Strictly on a whim, they decided to purchase their first Powerball ticket – five plays for $10.
“Like most people, I started thinking about all the things we would do with the money if we won the jackpot,” shared Connie Leal. “As the numbers came up on television, I wrote them down to check against our ticket. We were totally surprised when we saw how close we came to winning the jackpot!”
The winning numbers in last night’s Powerball drawing were 5-16-22-23-29 Powerball 6. The Neals had 05-14-22-23-29 Powerball 6. Despite missing the jackpot by one number, the Leals are extremely happy to have won $10,000 and say they will put the money to good use. Six months ago, the couple moved to Kansas from Illinois to be closer to Connie’s family in Ottawa. Connie said money has been tight.
“We just closed on a house. Randy is undergoing kidney dialysis and just got a pacemaker. We’ve been struggling, and this money is going to help a lot.”
“We were very lucky to win big the very first time we played Powerball,” Randy acknowledged. “I’m sure we’ll play again. We’re definitely ahead of the game.”
The Leals purchased their lucky Powerball ticket at Kwik Shop 781, located at 4500 S. Topeka Blvd. in Topeka.
Kansas had a total of six $10,000 winning tickets in last night’s Powerball drawing.
The first $10,000 ticket to be claimed at headquarters today belonged to a Topeka resident who asked the Lottery not to disclose his identify. That ticket was purchased at Whitelakes 66, located at 931 SW 37th St. in Topeka.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
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DATE: November 29, 2012 CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Kansas Players Purchase Record $5.4 Million in Powerball Tickets; Six $10,000 Kansas Winners in November 28 Drawing
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Lottery is urging all players to check their Powerball tickets from last night’s drawing. Six tickets sold in Kansas for the record-breaking drawing are each worth $10,000 after matching four of the first five numbers, plus the Powerball. The winning numbers in the much-anticipated drawing were 5-16-22-23-29 Powerball 6.
Four of the $10,000 tickets were sold in northeast Kansas and two were sold in south central Kansas. The counties included in each of those regions are listed here: http://www.kslottery.com/aboutus/lotteryregions.aspx
Kansans turned out in huge numbers to purchase their tickets in the hopes of hitting the record Powerball jackpot. The $587.5 million jackpot was captured by players in two states: Arizona and Missouri.
The final tally for Powerball tickets sold in Kansas for the November 28 drawing was more than $5.4 million! That number easily surpassed the nearly $3.5 million tickets sold for the March 30 record Mega Millions drawing, in which a Franklin County resident claimed a third of a $656 million jackpot.
Including the six $10,000 winners, there were a total of 84,088 Kansas winners in last night’s drawing. To view the number of winners at each level, click on this link: http://www.powerball.com/powerball/pb_statewinners.asp?draw=11/28/2012&lot=KS
The Powerball jackpot for Saturday’s drawing is an estimated $40 million.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
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DATE: November 30, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Enjoy A Race Day at Kansas Speedway with the Kansas Lottery
TOPEKA, KAN. – Kansas Lottery players are gearing up to enjoy Race Day at Kansas Speedway! From Sunday, December 2, through March 2, players who purchase $5 or more of Hot Lotto on a single ticket can enter their non-winning tickets for a chance to win one of 40 V.I.P. Racing Experience prize packages to Kansas Speedway in April! The Race Day at Kansas Speedway drawing is an online-only promotion, offered exclusively to Kansas Lottery Players Club members.
Each V.I.P. Racing Experience prize package consists of tickets for two to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series SFP 250 race Saturday, April 20, 2013, and two tickets to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series STP 400 race Sunday, April 21, 2013; one double occupancy hotel room for Friday and Saturday nights; transportation between the hotel and track; food and other amenities at the Kansas Lottery hospitality chalet; $400 cash; and mandatory state and federal income withholding taxes. Each prize package is valued at approximately $3,400.
Players Club members may enter their non-winning $5 Hot Lotto tickets online beginning December 2, 2012, through noon, March 5, 2013. The 40 winners will be announced at approximately noon, March 8, 2013. Mailed entries will not be accepted. Players must retain and present their original ticket to claim a prize. Only non-winning tickets of $5 or more of Hot Lotto qualify for this online-only promotion.
Once the drawing has been conducted the 40 winners will receive an email for address verification followed by a mailed claim form. Winners must claim their prize package within 14 days from the date of the drawing, or the next eligible entry will be declared the winner. Players may enter as often as they wish, but may only win one prize package.
For more information on the Race Day at Kansas Speedway promotion, or to join the FREE Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: December 4, 2012 CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Holiday Millionaire Raffle Tickets Nearly Sold Out!
TOPEKA, KAN. – It’s nearly “last call” for this year’s Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets. Only 150,000 tickets will be sold, and as of 9 a.m. this morning, approximately 24,000 remained. These remaining tickets are expected to go very quickly, as last-minute buyers hurry in to make sure they have a chance to win $1 million on New Year’s Eve. Raffle tickets also make good holiday gifts.
The Holiday Millionaire Raffle grand prize drawing December 31 gives players their best chance of any game, at 1 in 150,000, of winning $1 million. Twenty-five $5,000 prizes, 25 $1,000 prizes, and 2,500 $100 prizes will also be awarded.
Tickets sell for $20 each. Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets are available at all Kansas Lottery retail locations. Players must retain their original Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets to claim a prize! The minimum age to purchase a lottery ticket is 18. As with any lottery game, the Kansas Lottery reminds players to play responsibly, sign their tickets and keep them in a safe place until the drawing.
Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets have been on sale since October 1. This is the fourth year for the Kansas-only game, and raffle tickets have sold out each year.
Click on this link https://www.kslottery.com/Games/RAFLHowToPlay.aspx for more information on the Kansas Lottery’s Holiday Millionaire Raffle.
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DATE: December 13, 2012 CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Holiday Millionaire Raffle Tickets – Get Them Before They’re Gone!
TOPEKA, KAN. – Less than 10,000 Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets now remain for this year’s drawing, and the $20 tickets are going fast as the Lottery heads for another sell- out. The Lottery will sell only 150,000 tickets, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
The Holiday Millionaire Raffle grand prize drawing is December 31. The top prize is $1 million dollars cash. Twenty-five $5,000 prizes, 25 - $1,000 prizes, and 2,500 - $100 prizes will also be awarded.
Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets are available at all Kansas Lottery retail locations. Players must retain their original Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets to claim a prize! Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets have been on sale since October 1. This is the fourth year for the Kansas-only game, and raffle tickets have sold out each year.
Click on this link https://www.kslottery.com/Games/RAFLHowToPlay.aspx for more information on the Kansas Lottery’s Holiday Millionaire Raffle.
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DATE: December 18, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Kansas Lottery Offers Ultimate Getaway Prize Packages in Second-Chance Drawing
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Lottery is giving its players a chance to win an ultimate vacation getaway this spring! The $5 Ultimate Getaway instant scratch game offers players a chance to win cash prizes instantly and one of four fabulous vacation prize packages in a second-chance drawing.
The Ultimate Getaway second-chance drawing will be held at Riverfest in Wichita June 8, 2013. Three winners will be drawn and given a choice of four Ultimate Getaways prize packages. Winners can choose from these vacation themes: a beach spa, beach golfing, snow skiing, or Las Vegas. Each prize package also includes seven nights lodging for two, round trip airfare, $2,000 cash, and mandatory state and federal income withholding taxes and other applicable initial taxes and fees for the prize. Each prize package is valued at approximately $18,100.
In addition to the getaway prize packages and cash prizes that can be won instantly playing the game, players can also win free admission to the Wichita Riverfest by revealing a “Free Button” in the bonus scratch area on their ticket. Tickets winning a free button may also be entered into the second-chance drawing.
To enter the second-chance drawing, players may mail non-winning $5 Ultimate Getaway tickets to:
Kansas Lottery Ultimate Getaway Kansas Lottery P.O. Box 19226 Topeka, KS 66619-0226
Mailed entries must be received by the morning mail pickup in Topeka, Kan., on June 4, 2013. Entries may also be deposited into any receptacle designated by the Lottery, or at the Kansas Lottery’s selling location at the Wichita Riverfest from May 31 through June 8. Winners must claim their prize within 30 days from the drawing. Players may enter as often as they wish, but may only win one prize package.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: December 18, 2012 CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Holiday Millionaire Raffle Sells Out for Fourth Year in a Row
TOPEKA, KAN. – Kansas Lottery players again showed their enthusiasm for the Holiday Millionaire Raffle by purchasing all 150,000 tickets well before the drawing date. This is the fourth year for the Kansas-only raffle. Ticket number 150000 was sold at approximately 12:58 p.m. December 18. The $20 tickets went on sale October 1, 2012.
The Holiday Millionaire Raffle drawing will take place December 31. One lucky ticket will be worth $1 million! There will also be 25 $5,000 winners, 25 $1,000 winners and 2,500 $100 prizes. Players must retain their tickets to claim a prize!
All 150,000 tickets are automatically entered in the grand prize drawing, even the ten tickets that won $10,000 each in the five early bird drawings.
The $1 million grand prize winning Raffle number will be announced at 11:56 a.m. December 31 on these stations: 27 KSNT, 49 KTKA and FOX 43 KTMJ (Topeka), NBC Action News KSHB 41 (Kansas City), and 3 KSN (Wichita). A list of all winning Raffle numbers will be available on www.kslottery.com after 12:00 p.m. December 31 so players can check their tickets against the winning ticket numbers. Tickets can also be checked at any Kansas Lottery retailer, including Check-a-Ticket machines.
For more information about the Holiday Millionaire Raffle, go to: https://www.kslottery.com/Games/RAFLHowToPlay.aspx ###
DATE: December 18, 2012 CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, [email protected]
Kansas Lottery Offers Ultimate Getaway Prize Packages in Second-Chance Drawing
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Lottery is giving its players a chance to win an ultimate vacation getaway this spring! The $5 Ultimate Getaway instant scratch game offers players a chance to win cash prizes instantly and one of four fabulous vacation prize packages in a second-chance drawing.
The Ultimate Getaway second-chance drawing will be held at Riverfest in Wichita June 8, 2013. Three winners will be drawn and given a choice of four Ultimate Getaways prize packages. Winners can choose from these vacation themes: a beach spa, beach golfing, snow skiing, or Las Vegas. Each prize package also includes seven nights lodging for two, round trip airfare, $2,000 cash, and mandatory state and federal income withholding taxes and other applicable initial taxes and fees for the prize. Each prize package is valued at approximately $18,100.
In addition to the getaway prize packages and cash prizes that can be won instantly playing the game, players can also win free admission to the Wichita Riverfest by revealing a “Free Button” in the bonus scratch area on their ticket. Tickets winning a free button may also be entered into the second-chance drawing.
To enter the second-chance drawing, players may mail non-winning $5 Ultimate Getaway tickets to:
Kansas Lottery Ultimate Getaway Kansas Lottery P.O. Box 19226 Topeka, KS 66619-0226
Mailed entries must be received by the morning mail pickup in Topeka, Kan., on June 4, 2013. Entries may also be deposited into any receptacle designated by the Lottery, or at the Kansas Lottery’s selling location at the Wichita Riverfest from May 31 through June 8. Winners must claim their prize within 30 days from the drawing. Players may enter as often as they wish, but may only win one prize package.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.
DATE: December 18, 2012 CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Holiday Millionaire Raffle Sells Out for Fourth Year in a Row
TOPEKA, KAN. – Kansas Lottery players again showed their enthusiasm for the Holiday Millionaire Raffle by purchasing all 150,000 tickets well before the drawing date. This is the fourth year for the Kansas-only raffle. Ticket number 150000 was sold at approximately 12:58 p.m. December 18. The $20 tickets went on sale October 1, 2012.
The Holiday Millionaire Raffle drawing will take place December 31. One lucky ticket will be worth $1 million! There will also be 25 $5,000 winners, 25 $1,000 winners and 2,500 $100 prizes. Players must retain their tickets to claim a prize!
All 150,000 tickets are automatically entered in the grand prize drawing, even the ten tickets that won $10,000 each in the five early bird drawings.
The $1 million grand prize winning Raffle number will be announced at 11:56 a.m. December 31 on these stations: 27 KSNT, 49 KTKA and FOX 43 KTMJ (Topeka), NBC Action News KSHB 41 (Kansas City), and 3 KSN (Wichita). A list of all winning Raffle numbers will be available on www.kslottery.com after 12:00 p.m. December 31 so players can check their tickets against the winning ticket numbers. Tickets can also be checked at any Kansas Lottery retailer, including Check-a-Ticket machines.
For more information about the Holiday Millionaire Raffle, go to: https://www.kslottery.com/Games/RAFLHowToPlay.aspx ###
DATE: December 20, 2012 CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
$50 Million Powerball Jackpot Hit in Kansas!
TOPEKA, KAN. – It’s going to be a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for the holder of a single ticket sold in Kansas that captured an estimated $50 million jackpot in last night’s Powerball drawing! The lucky ticket was sold in northeast Kansas and matched all numbers: 5-8-20-23-30 Powerball 3. The cash option for the prize is an estimated $32.679 million.
The Kansas Lottery urges all players with Powerball tickets from last night to check their tickets right away. The holder of the winning jackpot ticket should sign the ticket immediately and put it in a safe place until the ticket is claimed. The winner may want to consult with an attorney and/or financial adviser before claiming the ticket.
Please note: Lottery headquarters in Topeka and all State offices in Shawnee County will not open today until 10:00 a.m., due to inclement weather.
Among the decisions the winner will have to make is whether to take the jackpot prize as an annuity paid out over 29 years (30 payments) or a cash lump sum.
The northeast region of Kansas, where the ticket was sold, includes these 21 counties: Marshall, Nemaha, Brown, Doniphan, Riley, Pottawatomie, Jackson, Atchison, Geary, Wabaunsee, Shawnee, Jefferson, Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Johnson, Osage, Douglas, Franklin, Miami, Morris and the northern half of Lyon.
The Powerball jackpot returns to an estimated $40 million (annuity) for Saturday’s drawing.
Powerball is played in 44 lottery jurisdictions – 42 states, Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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DATE: December 20, 2012 CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Kansas Ticket Hits $50 Million Powerball Jackpot; Lottery Holds News Conference
TOPEKA, KAN. – One ticket matched all numbers in last night’s Powerball drawing, and that ticket was sold in Kansas! The $50 million winner has not yet come forward, but Lottery officials said in a news conference today that they have been contacted by a person believed to be holding the winning ticket.
“The ticket has not yet been claimed, but we can tell you that the person we believe to be the winner did contact us this morning. At this time we are unable to identify the winner or the retailer that sold the ticket,” said Neysa Thomas, the Kansas Lottery’s Acting Executive Director. “The ticket must first be officially claimed.”
The Lottery did say that the lucky ticket was sold in northeast Kansas and matched all numbers: 5-8-20-23-30 Powerball 3.
Among the decisions the winner will have to make is whether to take the jackpot prize as an annuity paid out over 29 years (30 payments) or a cash lump sum. The cash option for the prize is an estimated $32.7 million. If the winner takes the cash lump sum, he or she would receive approximately $22.9 million after taxes. The Lottery is mandated to withhold 25 percent federal taxes on the prize (approximately $8.2 million) and 5 percent state taxes (approximately $1.6 million)
Thomas said the person believed to be the winner was consulting with legal counsel and financial advisors before claiming the ticket. The winner has 365 days from the date of the drawing to claim the prize.
The Powerball jackpot returns to an estimated $40 million (annuity) for Saturday’s drawing.
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DATE: December 31, 2012 CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, [email protected]
Winning Numbers Drawn in Holiday Millionaire Raffle!
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Lottery is anxious to see who will become its newest millionaire. One lucky number drawn today in the Holiday Millionaire Raffle is worth $1 million to the player who holds the ticket! The grand prize winning ticket number is 120833. The ticket was sold in south central Kansas.
In addition to the $1 million top prize, today’s raffle drawing produced 25 winners of $5,000, 25 winners of $1,000, and 2,500 winners of $100.
“We urge players who have raffle tickets to check their tickets right away,” said Kansas Lottery Acting Director Neysa Thomas. “In addition to the $1 million winner, there are 2,550 other winning tickets waiting to be claimed.”
For a complete list of winning raffle numbers, visit: Winning Raffle Numbers. Raffle tickets may be checked at any Kansas Lottery retail location, including Check-A-Ticket machines.
Players must present their original tickets to claim a prize. Players with $100 winning tickets can claim them at any Kansas Lottery retail location. The $1 million grand prize, twenty-five $5,000 prizes and twenty-five $1,000 prizes must be claimed at a Lottery office in Topeka or Great Bend, either in person or by mail. Lottery offices will be closed January 1 for the New Year’s holiday, and will reopen at 8 a.m. January 2. Players have 365 days from the date of the drawing to claim winning tickets.
The Kansas Lottery reminds players to sign the back of their tickets and to keep them in a safe place until they are checked or claimed. For questions regarding the Holiday Millionaire Raffle drawing, call the Kansas Lottery headquarters office in Topeka at 785- 296-5700.
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