In what seemed like an ordinary day of grocery shopping, a Kentucky man’s impromptu decision to purchase a lottery scratch-off ticket alongside his groceries resulted in an extraordinary windfall of $150,000. The Kentucky Lottery announced this remarkable story in a press release, detailing how Charles Stallard, a Louisville local, became significantly richer from a $5 “50X The Cash” ticket he bought on February 9, without anticipating the life-changing prize it held.
Stallard, who tossed the ticket into his shopping without much deliberation, later used a coin to scratch off the surface of the ticket, revealing the coveted 50X symbol—a sign that his prize would be multiplied by 50. Originally expecting little more than a break-even prize, Stallard was astounded as he continued to reveal the amounts hidden under the scratch coating.
“I thought maybe it was going to be $5 – enough for another round of play,” Stallard recounted when speaking to lottery officials. His expectations were significantly exceeded when he uncovered a $3,000 prize beneath the silvery scratch-off layer. Overwhelmed by his luck, he admitted, “When I scratched off $3,000, I actually started crying.”
The “50X The Cash” game is one let players aim for a top cash prize of $150,000, and Stallard realized that he had indeed won the maximum amount available. The elation he felt was palpable, but the weekend that followed was a waiting game filled with anticipation as he longed to claim his prize the ensuing Monday. “Anxious,” was the word Stallard used to describe his state over that weekend, as the significance of his win began to truly sink in.
Upon redemption of the jackpot the following Monday, Stallard received his winnings post-tax deduction, which left him with a total of $108,000. This substantial sum allowed Stallard to promptly address his financial obligations. He spoke of his immense relief and newfound financial freedom, revealing, “For the first time in my life, I’m not in debt.” His first order of business with the newfound wealth was to extinguish the mortgage on his home.
Beyond addressing his financial responsibilities, Stallard also expressed a renewed interest in his favorite pastime—fishing. Having been unable to indulge in this hobby due to his boat being out of service for a year, the lottery win signified a happy return to his cherished outdoor activity. “I’m fishing the rest of the year,” he enthusiastically proclaimed.
For those looking to try their luck, the Kentucky Lottery notes that the odds of winning any prize in the “50X The Cash” game are 1 in 3.68. However, the likelihood of securing the top $150,000 prize depends on the number of tickets sold.
Lottery tickets, such as the one that changed Stallard’s life, are commonly available at local convenience stores, gas stations, or grocery stores. Additionally, some states permit the online purchase of tickets. Among these, Jackpocket operates as the official digital lottery courier for the USA TODAY Network, providing services in various U.S. states and territories, including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, among others. The app allows customers to select their lottery game, choose their numbers, and collect any winnings, all conveniently through their phone or computer.
Jackpocket encourages responsible gambling, reminding users to adhere to their local state’s age requirements for lottery play, and provides resources for those seeking help with gambling problems. Before participating, it’s essential to consult the full terms available on the Jackpocket website or app.
