Lightning Strikes Twice: Nebraska Woman’s $200K ‘Mistake’ Win
In the heart of Lincoln, Nebraska, Lori Sailors has become something of a local legend, not for her frequency of playing the lottery, but for her uncanny ability to turn printing errors into golden tickets.
Sailors recently pocketed a cool $200,000 from the Nebraska Lottery’s Pick 5 game, but here’s the kicker – the winning ticket was a “printed by mistake” slip. If this sounds like déjà vu, you’re not wrong. In a twist that defies probability, this marks Sailors’ second windfall from a misprint, following a $50,000 win in 2019 under similar circumstances.
“I guess the printer really likes me,” Sailors quipped, her eyes twinkling with a mix of disbelief and joy.
Nebraska Lottery officials, while scratching their heads at the coincidence, confirmed that misprinted tickets are fair game. “Our policy is clear – if it’s a valid ticket, it’s a valid win, regardless of how it came to be,” a spokesperson stated.
Sailors and her husband, Monte, have earmarked the winnings for a noble cause – paying off their daughter’s student loans. The remainder will be tucked away for a rainy day, a prudent move that speaks volumes about the couple’s down-to-earth nature.
The lucky ticket, purchased at Casey’s store on N 48th Street, has not only changed the Sailors’ lives but also shone a spotlight on the Pick 5 game. At just $1 per play and odds of 1 in 658,008 to hit the jackpot, it’s a game that balances affordability with the thrill of possibility.
Nebraska Lottery officials were quick to highlight the game’s local impact. “Every ticket sold, every dollar won, stays right here in Nebraska,” they emphasized, underscoring the game’s role in supporting state initiatives.
As news of Sailors’ double-stroke of luck spreads, lottery enthusiasts across the state are eyeing printing machines with newfound interest. Meanwhile, Lori Sailors continues her life as usual, proof that sometimes, it pays to embrace life’s little mistakes.