SEATTLE — A lottery ticket worth more than $150 million was bought right here in Washington state, and the owner of the West Seattle store that sold it could not be prouder -- even though he doesn’t get a cent.
The winner matched all six numbers drawn – 27, 37, 54, 66, 69 -- plus the Mega Ball 5. He or she will take home an estimated jackpot of $157 million or $102 million in the lump-sum cash payment.
States give bonuses of different amounts to the retailers who sell winning tickets, but Washington state did away with that.
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Now the biggest bonus for Nirvhai Singh is bragging rights and possibly a boost in business.
Singh told every customer who came through the doors of his 7-Eleven Wednesday about the sale; he’s even putting up a sign Thursday.
“Lucky, I’m feeling lucky. I don’t know how to explain, I’m very happy,” he told us.
Even though Singh doesn’t get a piece of the prize he’s hoping to use the fact he had a hand in making it happen encourages more people to try their luck at his 7-Eleven.
“Maybe lightning will strike twice. Can I get three on the lotto?” a customer asked Singh.
A win of this magnitude is a rarity in Washington state.
The last time it happened was five years ago when a Washingtonian split a $380 million jackpot.
Singh is pretty satisfied with the $157 million sale, and there isn’t a customer who doesn’t know it.
The winner of what amounts to just over $100 million in cash hasn't come forward to claim his or her prize yet and, of course, Singh doesn't know who it is.
This is Washington’s fourth Mega Millions jackpot winner. In January 2011, an individual won a $380 million Mega Millions jackpot, splitting the prize with another winner in Idaho, according to lottery staff.
Washington’s Lottery advises players who believe they have a winning ticket to sign the back of the ticket, and contact Lottery officials for more information on validating their ticket and claiming their prize.
Jackpots over $100 million must be claimed at Washington’s Lottery headquarters in Olympia.
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