$4.9 million Hoosier Lotto jackpot claimed

Avilla man becomes second Hoosier Lotto^® jackpot winner from Northeast Indiana this year

INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 30, 2020) – One ticket matched all six numbers in Saturday night’s estimated $4.9 million Hoosier Lotto jackpot drawing. Jeffry Myers, 63, Avilla, Ind., claimed his prize at the Hoosier Lottery Headquarters in downtown Indianapolis this week from Hoosier Lottery Executive Director Sarah M. Taylor. He became the second Hoosier Lotto jackpot winner from Northeast Indiana this year.

Following Saturday night's drawing, Jeff woke up Sunday morning and went into his basement to check his tickets on his computer as he always does. Initially, he was disappointed because he saw the jackpot had reset to $1 million, so he assumed someone else won. “I was still half asleep when I pulled up the Hoosier Lottery website. I was looking at my first ticket and it did not make any sense, as all the numbers were matching. I looked again, and lo and behold, they were all matching!” According to Jeff, he immediately went to the Hoosier Lottery app and scanned his ticket to confirm his win. “Then I needed to go for a walk because I still did not believe it. I thought, I must be dreaming!” 

“The first person I tried to tell was my mom who is 91, but she was still sleeping, so I called my oldest brother. We are all still amazed.” 

Jeff decided to accept his prize right away this week, opting for the cash payout of $3.7 million. After claiming the jackpot, Jeff celebrated with his brother over sliders at White Castle.

He plans to use the winnings to buy a cottage and a boat—maybe a pontoon. “We had a cottage in the family when I was a kid and always appreciated the ability to get away.” 

A loyal player of the Hoosier Lottery, Jeff indicated he has been playing since the Lottery started over 30 years ago. He plays CA$H 5 every day, likes Scratch-offs and plays Hoosier Lotto every drawing. Previous prizes he has won include $1,000 on Hoosier Lotto, and $500 through a 2nd Chance drawing. 

For this past weekend’s Hoosier Lotto drawing, Jeff had purchased five tickets and received three free tickets thanks to a previous drawing—he hit the jackpot on one of the free tickets. The retail outlet that sold the winning ticket is Lassus Bros. Oil #21 located at 245 N. Main St. in Avilla.

“It was a pleasure to meet and visit with our newest Hoosier Lotto winner,” said Executive Director Sarah M. Taylor. “And when he shared that he’s a long-time player who won from a free ticket, what a story!”

Jeff is retired, having previously worked as a forklift driver at The Budd Co. in Kendallville, a former manufacturing plant of automobile components. Jeff is an avid beekeeper and is expecting six hives in the spring.

The Hoosier Lotto jackpot has been hit four times in 2020. In February, Fort Wayne resident Brad Miller claimed the $9.8 million Hoosier Lotto jackpot. 

Hoosier Lotto® Overall Odds are 1 in 6.