A woman played an online lottery game while feeding her horses. She then won over $3 million.
A Virginia woman is more than $3 million richer after recently winning an online Virginia Lottery game.
State lottery officials said Amy Sylvester won the game while feeding her horses at her Fredericksburg barn in Stafford County. The city is just over 50 miles southwest of Washington D.C.
"As she waited for them to finish, she pulled out her phone and started playing the Virginia Lottery’s Jackpot Spectacular online game," lottery officials released in a statement online.
While doing so, she won a jackpot of a $3,046.100, officials said.
“I was surprised,” Sylvester told lottery officials. “I didn’t think it was real.”
Odds of winning: 1 in 3.99
Jackpot Spectacular can be played in multiple states including Pennsylvania, and is one of dozens of online games offered by the Virginia Lottery.
The odds of winning a prize in one game are 1 in 3.99, according to the state lottery's website. Odds of winning the jackpot also “vary by price point.”
In addition to online games, Virginia Lottery players can also purchase Powerball, Mega Millions, Cash4Life, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5 and Cash 5 with EZ Match plays online.
To play Virginia Lottery games people must be age 18 and older and physically in Virginia.
Where can I buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the Paste BN Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the Paste BN Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visitjackpocket.com/tos for full terms.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for Paste BN. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.