Louisiana Man Wins $775K Jackpot at Turn of the Year

One man from Louisiana has started the year with a $775,000 win under his belt after he won the January 3 drawing. 

The man, one Joseph Wheat from Bogalusa, bought the Pick 3 ticket at Pine Cash at 26505 Highway 62 in Franklinton and did not hesitate to go right ahead and scoop the cash option. 

Getting a $560K Net Financial Boost for the New Year 

Accounting for the due federal and state taxes, Wheat is walking away with $565,750, a huge financial boost. Wheat’s spot of good fortune comes after years of playing the lottery, and following the results and drawing consistently.

Therefore, he caught the winning ticket right away, having matched all six winning numbers, which were: 1, 14, 18, 20, 27, and 41. Wheat added:

“I had to call my wife and ask her to come home. When I saw the numbers, I made her come check the ticket to make sure I was really seeing what I thought I was seeing.”

The lottery was excited for Wheat’s win as well, with Lottery President Rose Hudson adding, “We love hearing stories like this, especially from players who have been with us for many years. We’re excited for Mr. Wheat and his family and wish them all the best as they enjoy this win.”

While Wheat himself does not need to worry about missing out on the prize, the lottery reminded players that they have 180 days to claim their prizes for draw-style games, and added that anyone who wishes to buy a ticket must be of the legal gambling age, which is 21. 

The lottery also advised players to always sign the back of their tickets to protect them and authenticate that they are the rightful owners.