The odds of winning the lotto are already stacked against you, but some people have managed to do it not once, but twice. Larry Gambles (yes, that’s his real name), won $1.3 million in the Illinois’ Lucky Day Lotto just a few days ago. But what’s even more remarkable is that this is Larry’s second time winning–and using the exact same numbers.
Gambles spoke of his strategy, “Nine years ago, I won $50,000 playing the numbers from the jerseys of my high school basketball team. I’ve been playing the same numbers ever since.”
Gambles, who chose the numbers from his high school basketball team, still loves to play the sport, even though he’s now advancing in age. One of the aptly named Gambles’ other hobbies is to purchase seven lotto tickets at the gas station on the way home once a week, as in Illinois, tickets can be purchased up to 25 days in advance. One of the highlights of his day is returning from his daily workout to check out the lotto numbers in the newspaper and see if he’s won anything.
The 65-year-old retired school administrator said his family was completely shocked that he had won again, but they’re ecstatic for him. He plans to share some of his money with family and friends.
He purchased his ticket at Harvey’s Corner BP in Country Club Hills, and the gas station will receive a $10,000 bonus for doling out the winning ticket. This is one percent of Gambles’ winnings, and will do quite a bit to help out with the store. They are, as well, quite pleased that they’ve sold the winning ticket.
Gambles’ lucky numbers are 01 – 06 – 12 – 14 – 25, but if you’re looking to win the lotto, you might have to find your own digits.
He said to lotto officials, “Pick your favorite numbers and stick with them. It worked for me!”
Lucky Day Lotto drawings in Illinois are held twice per day, seven days a week. In this particular drawing, 36,000 people won prizes ranging from $1 to $200, however it was Gambles who took home the cake, for the second time.
Sources:
Huffington Post
Illinois Lottery
ABC News
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