News writer, Interviewer
After a suspenseful weekend, the winner of Arkansas's largest-ever exclusive lottery jackpot has stepped forward. A Yell County resident claimed the record-breaking $5.123 million LOTTO prize on February 3, 2025, just days after the February 1 drawing.
From skeptic to millionaire
Despite being a seasoned lottery player with experience in Powerball, Mega Millions, and Natural State Jackpot, the winner had never tried LOTTO before.
"When I saw it was over $5 million, I decided to jump in," he told lottery officials.
The decision to purchase two Quick Pick tickets online proved life-changing. When Lotto.com called to announce his win, skepticism set in. "It just doesn't sound right," he thought. His wife agreed: "We thought it was a hoax."
The moment of truth arrived when they picked up the physical ticket from Players Cafe in its distinctive red envelope. Only then did the reality of their fortune begin to sink in.
Smart plans ahead
"We're going to do this smart," the couple declared to lottery officials. Their immediate priorities are clearing all debts and securing their retirement. They've kept news of their win limited to immediate family and close friends.
Breaking the record
The winning numbers 1, 6, 7, 19, 27, and 40, with Bonus Number 14, turned a routine digital transaction into a life-changing moment. This marks only the third LOTTO jackpot win since the game's launch in September 2022, following previous wins of $2.34 million and $999,000.
ASL Executive Director Sharon Strong said, "We're all thrilled for the Yell County resident who won the $5.123 million LOTTO jackpot. It's a momentous day at the lottery when we can award an Arkansan with such a significant jackpot."
The win also marked a milestone for Lotto.com. Lotto.com Inc. CEO Thomas Metzger said:
We couldn't be happier to have achieved this new state and company record. This is our biggest win as a platform and is what we're all about – celebrating big wins and helping bring incremental funds to state lotteries.
The LOTTO jackpot has reset to $265,000 for the next drawing on Saturday, February 8. Players can purchase tickets through licensed Arkansas retailers or approved online platforms. For those interested in joining the ranks of Arkansas lottery winners, tickets are available both in-store and through ASL's Play on the Go partners.
Since 2009, the ASL has contributed over $1.4 billion for scholarships, helping more than 770,000 Arkansas students pursue their education dreams.
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