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Christiansburg woman ‘accidentally’ wins $1 million Powerball prize

Miriam Long, a Christiansburg woman who won a $1 million Powerball prize. (Virginia Lottery) (WSLS)

CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. – A Christiansburg woman struck gold, by mistake...

Miriam Long wanted to buy a Mega Millions ticket because the jackpot had risen to an estimated $893 million, and she wanted to get in the game.

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Virginia Lottery officials said Long went to the Virginia Lottery machine at CVS on 1775 South Main Street in Blacksburg and accidentally hit the button for a Powerball ticket.

The ‘accidental’ ticket matched the first five winning numbers in the March 18 Powerball drawing to win $1 million, according to officials.

“It’s the best mistake of my life!” she told Lottery officials.

We’re told the winning numbers were 10-17-20-39-44 and the Powerball number was 16. The only number she didn’t match was the Powerball number.

On top of Long’s $1 million prize, retailers that sell a $1 million ticket receive a $10,000 bonus from the Virginia Lottery.

“My heart was pounding!” she said. “It’s overwhelming!”

According to the Virginia Lottery, the chances of matching all six numbers are 1 in 292.2 million.

All profits from the Virginia Lottery go to K-12 education in Virginia, officials said. You can see a breakdown of the fund distribution here.


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