A Casper resident, Jerry Ragsdale, has won $2 million in the Powerball lottery after purchasing a ticket during the recent jackpot run-up. This marks only his second time playing the game.
Ragsdale, who works selling and servicing drilling rigs across Wyoming, bought his winning Quick Pick ticket at the Loaf n’ Jug located at 3036 College Dr. in Rock Springs on September 3. At that time, the Powerball jackpot had reached $1.4 billion and eventually grew to $1.8 billion for the September 5 drawing, which produced two jackpot winners from Texas and Missouri. The prize pool was the second highest in Powerball history.
The ticket Ragsdale purchased matched five numbers with the Power Play option, securing him a $2 million prize. He was one of four players nationwide to win this amount on that day, joining others from Michigan, Oregon, and Texas. Powerball tickets are priced at $2 each; adding the Power Play for an extra dollar can multiply non-jackpot prizes.
Ragsdale explained how he found out about his win: “My boss had to double check my ticket for me—I just couldn’t believe I won that much money,” Ragsdale said.
The 48-year-old single father plans to use his winnings to set up college funds for his two teenage daughters, pay off his house, and invest in the oil and gas industry.
Jon Clontz, CEO of WyoLotto, commented on Ragsdale’s win: “This is what the lottery is all about, changing lives. And, we hear that Jerry is hoping his luck will get his 49ers to the Super Bowl this season, and he will be there to watch,” said Jon Clontz, WyoLotto CEO.
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