Maryland Lottery Winners Experience Unforgettable Trip
A group of lucky individuals from the Maryland Lottery had the chance to travel with the Baltimore Ravens to watch a game against the New York Giants. These winners, part of a second-chance promotion, received tickets to the December 15 game. They traveled on the team train, enjoyed hotel accommodations, met players, and received $1,000 spending money. Among the winners were Raymond and Debbie Jones from Salisbury, who were the first to arrive at M&T Bank Stadium, eager not to be late. Lenny and Darlene Brown from Woodstock arrived next and quickly became friends with the Joneses. Juan Garcia and his daughter Melanie joined them before being transported by luxury shuttle to Penn Station in Baltimore.
The group boarded a chartered train with Ravens players, coaches, team staff, and media members. They enjoyed lunch, snacks, and a meet-and-greet with three Ravens players: Travis Jones, Tavius Robinson, and Roger Rosengarten. After arriving in New Jersey, the winners continued to their five-star hotel in New York City for an evening of exploration. The following morning, they traveled with a police escort to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, for pre-game sideline passes before watching the game from lower-level seats. They witnessed Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson make NFL history by achieving his sixth career game with at least five touchdown passes and no interceptions. Only Tom Brady and Drew Brees have more such performances. The event was memorable for participants like Juan Garcia, who expressed lasting gratitude for the experience.
Iowa Lottery Winners Strike It Rich
In 2024, five Iowans won lottery prizes of at least $1 million. Shelby Willis from Des Moines claimed the state’s largest jackpot of the year, winning the Lucky for Life contest prize in November. Willis, aged 64, opted for a lump sum payment of $5.75 million instead of $1,000 a day for life. He plans to move back to New Jersey after settling some matters in Iowa. Willis moved back to Des Moines 12 years ago to help his father and has been working in security but quit after winning. He is interested in purchasing New York Yankees tickets once he moves back to New Jersey.
Other significant lottery winners in Iowa for 2024 include Mark Krogman from Clinton, who won a $2 million Powerball prize on April 16, with the ticket purchased at Clinton Liquor. Danny Buckelew from Treynor won a $2 million Powerball prize on January 17, with the ticket bought at Casey’s convenience store in Tiffin. Lynne Kannuan from Webster City won a $1 million Powerball prize on September 18, buying her ticket at Webster City Fareway store. Trenton Baker from Newton claimed a $1 million Powerball prize on April 8, purchasing his ticket at Hy-Vee store in Newton. Nine Iowans won $500,000 each in various lotteries throughout the year.
Mississippi Mega Millions Jackpot Soars
The Mississippi Lottery announced that the Mega Millions jackpot for December 17 is estimated at $740 million, with a cash option of $342.9 million. Winning numbers will be drawn just after 10 p.m. Central time. A $1.1 billion-winning ticket was sold in New Jersey earlier this year but remains unclaimed; winners there have up to a year to claim their prize. In Mississippi, drawing winners must claim their prize within 180 days and can do so anonymously. To play Mega Millions in Mississippi, tickets must be purchased in person at local convenience stores, gas stations, or grocery stores; online purchases are not available in the state.
Players pick six numbers: five white balls ranging from 1 to 70 and one gold Mega Ball between 1 and 25. A “Quick Pick” or “Easy Pick” option allows the computer to randomly generate numbers for players who prefer it. The “Megaplier” feature can be added for $1 to increase non-grand prize winnings by two, three, four, or five times; it is drawn before the Mega Millions numbers on Tuesdays and Fridays. Lottery tickets can also be bought at some airport terminals.
Michigan Lottery Seeks Winners
Michigan Lottery officials are seeking two players to claim their weekend wins. The prizes include a $1.1 million jackpot and a lifetime prize of $25,000 per year. A Lotto 47 player purchased the winning ticket at Liquor Land in Eastpointe; their numbers were drawn on Saturday. Another player in the Lucky for Life game bought their ticket at Jerry’s Party Store in Westland; their numbers were drawn on Friday. Winners are asked to contact the Lottery’s Player Relations division to schedule an appointment to claim their prizes. Winning tickets are valid for one year after the drawing dates.
The Lotto 47 winner is the eighth victor in 2024 and the third winner in three weeks to claim a Lotto 47 jackpot. The Lucky for Life winner is the 14th person this year to win a $25,000 prize in that game. Lucky for Life winners can choose between annual payments for at least 20 years or their full life, or a one-time lump sum cash payment of $390,000. Michigan Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli noted that Michigan players have been experiencing a lucky streak with big wins recently.
Conclusion
Lottery winners across the United States have experienced life-changing moments, from unforgettable trips with sports teams to massive cash prizes. These stories highlight the excitement and opportunities that come with winning the lottery. As more people try their luck, the tales of fortune continue to inspire and captivate. Whether it’s a trip with the Baltimore Ravens or a million-dollar jackpot, the thrill of winning remains a dream for many.
