Fourth-largest jackpot in game history won on single ticket sold in Tell City

Today, the Hoosier Lottery celebrated a historic prize when the winner of the fourth-largest jackpot in Hoosier Lotto^® history publicly claimed the $42.5 million prize at the Hoosier Lottery’s Prize Payment office in Indianapolis.

The winner, a lifelong resident of Perry County who regularly plays the Hoosier Lottery, claimed the prize as “Free Ticket, LLC.” 

He had won a free Hoosier Lotto ticket after matching two out of six numbers on a previous drawing. He redeemed the free ticket at On the Fly #822, located at 1448 12th St. in Tell City, for the March 12 drawing, choosing a Quick Pick for his numbers.

“We love when Hoosiers play Indiana’s hometown favorite jackpot game, and we especially love it when Hoosiers win,” said Hoosier Lottery Executive Director Sarah M. Taylor. “The fact that it was won on a free ticket makes it even more exciting.” 

Before the $42.5 million Hoosier Lotto jackpot was won on March 12, the jackpot game ranked as the highest state lottery jackpot in the country and the third-largest U.S. jackpot, behind only Powerball^® and Mega Millions^®.

After the drawing, the winner scanned his ticket while at the grocery store. The screen displayed a message stating he would need to contact the Hoosier Lottery to claim his prize. When he checked his numbers, he could not believe he really had matched all six numbers and won the $42.5 million jackpot. Once he got to work, he asked a coworker to check his ticket for him. After examining the ticket and checking the winning numbers, his coworker scanned it using the Hoosier Lottery app. 

“You won!” the coworker exclaimed.

“I thought I was going to have a heart attack,” the winner said. “I still cannot believe it. I keep thinking any day I might wake up and find out it’s a dream.”

He checked and rechecked the numbers several times and even had a family member print the winning numbers from a convenience store terminal.

Today, the winner’s “Free Ticket, LLC” representative accepted a lump sum cash payout option of $20,553,193, while sharing the emotion surrounding the Perry County man’s winning experience. The Hoosier Lotto mascot added to the fun and excitement.

The winner decided to retire early from his job as a truck driver shortly after confirming the winning ticket. He looks forward to being able to spend more time on his favorite activities, including watching Indiana University and Tell City High School basketball and riding his motorcycle. 

While the winner plans to continue living a simple life, he has one big purchase in mind: men’s basketball season tickets to watch his beloved IU Hoosiers! Hoosier Lottery Executive Director Sarah M. Taylor paid tribute to the winner’s dream coming true by presenting a branded IU basketball to the winner’s representative. 

By selling the winning Hoosier Lotto jackpot ticket, the retailer will receive $100,000. 

The largest Hoosier Lotto jackpot win occurred on November 7, 2007, and was worth an estimated $54.5 million.

Media Notes: 
•    Click here for b-roll of the news conference and check presentation 

Hoosier Lotto^® Overall Odds 1 in 6