Who thought an accidental lottery ticket would turn into a millionaire-maker? Looks like that tip about going with computer-generated combinations really works.
Construction worker Jose Sarabia got the surprise of his life after a ticket he bought at a New Mexico gas station won him $2 million, considering the winning stub was actually an extra ticket that the clerk accidentally printed out. He originally meant to buy just one, but eventually forked out an extra $3 for the second ticket.
"Sarabia's ticket matched the white ball numbers of 02, 11, 47, 62 and 63," Fox News Latino reported. "He missed landing that night's jackpot of $500 million by not matching the winning red Powerball of 17."
"While there were 15 other lottery players across the nation who won $1 million, Sarabia purchased an additional $1 Power Play -making him the only winner in the United States to double his Powerball prize to $2 million," the publication said.
The winning combination was drawn January 6. Sarabia claimed his prize earlier this week at the New Mexico Lottery headquarters in Albuquerque, Texas.
"Sarabia bought his lucky ticket at the Brewer Oil Loving Chevron, 100 N. 8th St., in Loving," Las Cruces Sun-News noted. "For selling the $2 million-winning ticket, the store is eligible for a $2,500 New Mexico Lottery bonus."
The new millionaire said that he plans to use the money to pay off existing debts, such as those involving his home and vehicles. He also said he would donate to his church and help his parents.
It was learned that the clerk originally attempted to sell the extra ticket to Sarabia's friend, who was with him when he bought the winning numbers. However, the pal denied the offer, so Sarabia eventually decided to get it himself.
And now, when asked whether his friend regretted the decision, the new millionaire said, "No, he said it was my ticket, it was meant for me."
The construction worker didn't miss a beat and bought a ticket for the Wednesday Powerball draw. However, it's unknown whether he is one of the winners of the jackpot prize.
Recently, it's been reported that three winners share the billion-dollar prize, with one from California, another from Florida, and the third one from Tennessee, ABC 7 noted.
"California also had 12 tickets match five of the six numbers in Wednesday's drawing," the news outlet said.
Has a Latino won in the recent Powerball draw? Did your bet win? Talk to us in the comments below!
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