A Washington woman forgot about her lottery ticket for months. Then she won big.
Imagine buying a lottery ticket, forgetting about it, and then finding out you're $135,000 richer.
That's the story of one Washington woman who bought a $1 Hit 5 ticket from a vending machine at a local Fred Meyer store in Lynnwood, just north of Seattle.
The woman, who did not want her full name released and is going by the initials M.B., bought the lucky ticket while picking up groceries for dinner, she told Washington lottery officials. After forgetting about the ticket for several months, M.B.'s husband reminded her that she needed to check it. Thinking nothing of it, M.B. went to check the ticket and received the message: "See lottery regional office."
On a printed receipt, M.B. was notified that she won $135,000.
M.B., a mother and master electrician, told lottery officials that her winnings will allow her and her family to live debt-free.
Every state has a deadline for players to cash in winning tickets. In Washington, the limit is six months. Other states range between three months and a year.
How to play Hit 5
To play Hit 5 you will have to select five white ball numbers between 1 and 42 and mark them off on a ticket. If you aren't sure what number to pick, ask for a "Quick Pick" which will let the machine generate the numbers for you. Cashpots start at $100,000 and will continue to grow until a lucky player matches all five numbers.
What are the odds for Hit 5?
The overall odds of winning Hit 5 are about one in 10, the Washington lottery states.
The odds of winning the Cashpots prize in Washington is one in 851,000, according to the lottery.
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
In order to purchase a ticket, you'll have to visit your local convenience store, gas station or grocery store.
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.