Recent Lottery Winners: Stories of Luck and Big Prizes

Lottery winners continue to capture the attention of people across the country, as stories of sudden fortune and life-changing prizes inspire hope in millions. In the past few months, several individuals have experienced incredible luck, winning large sums from games like Powerball, Badger 5, and other state lotteries. This article highlights some of the most notable recent wins, the locations where these tickets were sold, and what both winners and retailers can expect after a big win. We begin with a summary of recent lottery winners and end with a recap of the key facts.

Wisconsin’s Badger 5 Jackpot: A $125,000 Win in Kohler

A Badger 5 lottery ticket worth $125,000 was recently sold at the Gas and Go station on Commerce Avenue in Kohler, Wisconsin. The winning numbers for the May 28 drawing were 14, 19, 24, 26, and 31. The lucky winner now has 180 days from the draw date to claim their prize, which is a standard rule for the Wisconsin Lottery. Players can check their tickets using the Wisconsin Lottery’s mobile app or by visiting the official website, making it easy to see if they have won.

Badger 5 is a Wisconsin-only game drawn daily after 9 p.m. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 169,911, making each win a rare and exciting event. In May alone, five Badger 5 jackpots have been won, and so far in 2025, there have been thirty-three jackpots claimed. Notably, ten of these jackpots have exceeded $100,000, showing that significant prizes are possible even in state-specific games. Retailers who sell winning tickets worth more than $599 receive a two percent incentive, up to $100,000, as part of the Retailer Performance Program. This means that the Gas and Go station will also benefit from selling the winning ticket.

California Powerball: Million-Dollar Winners in Newman and Orange

In Stanislaus County, California, a Powerball ticket sold at the ARCO Station in Newman matched all five main numbers but missed the Powerball number. The winning numbers for that drawing were 23, 27, 32, 35, and 59, with the Powerball number being 11. Although the ticket did not win the $189 million jackpot, it is still worth $1,326,260. Another ticket in Orange, California, also matched the five main numbers and received the same prize.

The ARCO Station that sold the winning ticket will receive a $6,600 bonus from the California Lottery. Powerball drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, giving players multiple chances each week to win life-changing amounts. These recent wins show that even if a player misses the Powerball number, matching the five main numbers can still result in a substantial payout.

Pennsylvania Lottery: Multiple Winners and Growing Jackpots

The Pennsylvania Lottery continues to create winners with its daily and weekly games. On May 29, 2025, the winning numbers for several games were announced, including Pick 2, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, Treasure Hunt, Cash Five, and Match Six. For example, the Treasure Hunt jackpot increased to $87,000, and the Cash Five jackpot rose to $600,000 after the latest drawings. The Match Six jackpot also climbed to $730,000, showing that jackpots can grow quickly when there are no winners in a particular drawing.

Players in Pennsylvania can check their tickets online or through the official lottery app. The state encourages responsible gambling and provides resources for those who may need help. The Pennsylvania Lottery’s editorial process ensures that all results are accurate and up to date, giving players confidence in the fairness of the games.

Other Notable Lottery Wins and Ticket Lotteries

While cash jackpots often make headlines, other types of lotteries also create winners. For example, the Savannah Bananas, a popular baseball team known for their entertaining games, recently held a ticket lottery for their upcoming games at Camden Yards in Baltimore. Winners of this ticket lottery have been contacted by the team, giving fans a chance to see the Bananas play in person. Although this is not a cash prize, it highlights the variety of lotteries and drawings that can bring excitement and rewards to participants.

How to Claim Lottery Prizes and What Winners Should Know

For those who hold a winning ticket, it is important to claim the prize within the specified time frame. In Wisconsin, winners have 180 days from the draw date to claim their prize. Information on how to claim can be found on the official lottery website or by using the lottery’s mobile app. Retailers who sell winning tickets also benefit, receiving bonuses or incentives based on the prize amount.

Winners should sign the back of their ticket immediately and keep it in a safe place until they are ready to claim their prize. It is also wise to consult with a financial advisor before making any major decisions, as large lottery wins can have significant tax and financial implications.

Summary and Recap: The Impact of Recent Lottery Wins

In summary, recent lottery winners across the United States have claimed impressive prizes, from a $125,000 Badger 5 jackpot in Wisconsin to million-dollar Powerball wins in California. State lotteries like those in Pennsylvania continue to offer growing jackpots and daily chances to win. Retailers also benefit from selling winning tickets, receiving bonuses that reward their participation in the lottery system.

These stories remind us that luck can strike at any time, and that checking your ticket could lead to a life-changing moment. Whether it is a cash jackpot or a special event ticket, lotteries continue to create excitement and hope for players everywhere. If you play, remember to do so responsibly and always check your numbers after each drawing.