Current:Home > ContactMichigan woman’s handpicked numbers win $1M on Powerball. She found out on Facebook. -Capitatum
Michigan woman’s handpicked numbers win $1M on Powerball. She found out on Facebook.
Chainkeen Exchange View
Date:2025-04-06 09:49:13
A Michigan woman was aimlessly scrolling through Facebook when she learned that she won $1 million on the Powerball.
Jennifer Vackaro, 50, of White Lake, about 60 miles east of Lansing, decided to buy a Powerball ticket at Andale Mexican Grill & Cantina on Carroll Lake Road in Commerce Township, according to a press release by the Michigan Lottery.
"My fiancé and I were at Andale, and he was playing Club Keno, so I decided to play Powerball," Vackaro told lottery officials. "Usually I play easy pick numbers, but since we were just hanging out having a drink, I decided to take the time to pick my own numbers."
Kentucky man says lottery win:Helped pull him out of debt 'for the first time in my life'
Little did Vackaro know that choosing her own numbers would make her a millionaire.
For the drawing on March 2, white balls were 3, 18, 27, 36 and 53. Those were the numbers Vackaro handpicked.
"The next morning, I was scrolling Facebook and saw a post about a winning Powerball ticket that was sold at Andale," Vackaro said. "The post had the winning numbers, and I recognized them right away. I scanned my ticket on the Lottery App and when $1 million came up on the screen with confetti, I couldn't stop shaking! I called my daughters and my fiancé to tell them the good news."
Vackaro plans to celebrate her Powerball win with family
After taking a trip to the Michigan Lottery Headquarters to claim her prize, Vackaro told lottery officials how she plans to spend the $1 million prize.
With the money, Vackaro plans to take her family on a trip and then save the rest.
Vackaro told lottery officials that knowing about her Powerball win has made an impact om her daily activities.
“I have been in a complete fog the last few days,” Vackaro said. “I haven’t been able to eat or sleep because I’ve been so nervous and excited!”
How to play the Powerball
In order to purchase a $2 Powerball ticket, you'll have to visit your local convenience store, gas station or grocery store - and in a handful of states, you can purchase tickets online.
To play, you will need to pick six numbers in total to mark on your ticket. Five numbers will be white balls ranging from numbers 1 to 69. The Powerball is red and one number which is between 1 and 26.
If you want to increase your chances of winning, you can add a “Power Play” for $1 which increases the winnings for all non-jackpot prizes. This addition can multiply winnings by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X.
Players can also ask a cashier for a "Quick Pick" where a cashier will give you a computer generated numbers on a printed Powerball ticket.
Drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday nights. If there's no jackpot winner, the cash prize will increase by millions.
When is the next Powerball drawing?
The next Powerball drawing is on March 13. The estimated jackpot is worth $559 million. If there is a winner after Wednesday's drawing and they choose the cash option, they could take home $273.3 million, according to the lottery.
What are the odds of winning the Powerball?
The odds of winning a Powerball jackpot are one in 292.2 million, according to the lottery.
The overall odds of winning a Powerball prize are roughly one in 24.9.
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050(MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.
veryGood! (92)
Related
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Teens held in insect-infested cells, tortured with 'Baby Shark' among explosive claims in Kentucky lawsuit
- New Mexico governor threatened with impeachment by Republican lawmakers over gun restrictions
- Kate, Princess of Wales, hospitalized for planned abdominal surgery, Kensington Palace says
- Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
- Where is the coldest city in the U.S. today? Here's where temperatures are lowest right now.
- Prominent NYC art dealer Brent Sikkema stabbed to death in Brazil; alleged killer arrested at gas station
- Think you can stay off your phone? One company will pay you $10,000 to do a digital detox
- See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
- Senegal presidential candidate renounces French nationality to run for office
Ranking
- DeepSeek: Did a little known Chinese startup cause a 'Sputnik moment' for AI?
- India’s newest airline orders 150 Boeing Max aircraft, in good news for plane maker
- Justice Department report details the how the shooting at a school in Uvalde, Texas, unfolded
- Teen struck and killed while trying to help free vehicle in snowstorm
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- Anti-abortion activists brace for challenges ahead as they gather for annual March for Life
- Can AI detect skin cancer? FDA authorizes use of device to help doctors identify suspicious moles.
- Sonic has free food for teachers and school staff this week. Here's how to redeem.
Recommendation
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Georgia judge sets a hearing on misconduct allegations against Fani Willis in Trump election case
Dua Lipa speaks out on Israel-Hamas war, says ceasefire in Gaza 'has to happen'
Former Army captain charged with fatally shooting two neighbors, dog in North Carolina
Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
Patriots coach Jerod Mayo lays out vision for new era: 'I'm not trying to be Bill' Belichick
Only 19 performers have achieved EGOT status. Here are the stars who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony.
Issey Miyake displays canvas of colors at Paris Fashion Week