Lewisville, Arkansas – Two Arkansas residents discovered huge wins after buying instant lottery tickets on a whim. Their stories, unfolding just days apart, reveal how spur-of-the-moment decisions can turn an ordinary day into a moment filled with disbelief, relief, and long-term hope.
Valentine’s Day Surprise Turns Into Retirement Boost
Jeffery S. of Lewisville claimed a $50,000 prize after playing the $20 instant game $50,000 Stacked. He collected his winnings at the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery Claim Center on Feb. 20. The winning ticket was purchased at Smoker Friendly #1154, located at 1007 North Hervey St. in Hope.
Jeffery bought the ticket on Valentine’s Day under less-than-ideal circumstances. His wife had fallen ill, forcing the couple to stay home instead of celebrating. While picking up dinner, he decided to purchase two $20 lottery tickets on impulse. When he returned, he handed one to his wife and kept the other, and they scratched them together expecting only a small prize.
“Whether it’s $50 or $100, that’s a good day,” Jeffery told lottery officials.
What they uncovered instead stunned them both. Jeffery’s ticket revealed a $50,000 top prize.
“There’s no way,” Jeffery said. “I’ve never won anything like this in my life!”
Still absorbing the shock, the couple rushed to claim the prize.
“We’re still in shock,” Jeffery’s wife said. “This will go far for our retirement.”
First-Time Player Strikes Gold in North Little Rock
Another major win came from Evan R. of Saline County, who also captured a $50,000 prize playing $50,000 Stacked. He purchased his ticket at Hebron of AR, 6109 Crystal Hill Road in North Little Rock, and claimed his winnings on Feb. 20.
Evan had never played the lottery before. Encouraged for years by his mother to try his luck — telling him, “You might be the one to win!” — he finally decided to stop for a ticket on his way to work. Though unfamiliar with the games, the $50,000 Stacked ticket caught his attention.
He waited until arriving at work before scratching the ticket inside his car. When the winning amount appeared, he could hardly believe it.
“This can’t be real!” Evan thought.
Despite the excitement, he continued through the workday as usual, though the win lingered in his thoughts.
“You know that day was lovely,” he told lottery officials, smiling.
He shared the news first with his mother, whose reaction was simple and triumphant: “I told you so!”
Evan plans to use the prize for home improvements and intends to play the lottery occasionally while staying mindful of responsible play.
More Chances Still Remain
The $50,000 Stacked instant game continues to offer opportunities for players across the state. Lottery officials report that sixty-eight $50,000 top prizes remain available.
For both winners, the unexpected windfall brought more than financial relief. It delivered moments of joy during difficult circumstances and confirmed that sometimes, a small decision made in passing can carry a powerful and lasting impact.
More information about instant games and responsible play is available at MyArkansasLottery.com.
