Kentucky

Living in Kentucky for work, Alabama man spends $25 on lottery and secures big win

An Alabama man won $50,000 recently playing the online instant game Wild 8’s through Kentucky Lottery’s app, according to a Friday press release from the organization.

“I actually downloaded the app to scan our tickets, and then we saw we could play online,” winner Chad Wrinkle told Kentucky Lottery officials.

He won the prize after depositing $25 into the online game. The money was doubled through Kentucky Lottery’s 100% deposit match, the release said.

Wrinkle is from Mobile, Ala., but is living in Henderson, Ky., for work, and said he was shocked by the winnings.

“I thought it was $500 at first and then I was like, ‘Woah, that comma’s in the wrong spot. That’s $50,000!,” he said, per the release.

In Wild 8’s players try to match three “8” figures in a column, row or diagonal line to win a prize, according to the game rules. Plays cost $1, and there are in-game multipliers and bonuses. The consolidated odds on an $8,000 win are 1 in 480,000.

Additionally, Wrinkle won two $100-prizes through Dual Crossword Craze, another instant play game offered by the state lottery.

Wrinkle and his partner Lori claimed their winnings, which totaled $35,750 after taxes, at Kentucky Lottery’s headquarters Aug. 7. The couple told officials they want to use the prize to spoil their Boston terrier puppy, Chip.

If you or someone you know has a problem gambling, help is available at 1-800-522-4700.

Do you have a question about the lottery in Kentucky for our service journalism team? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out our Know Your Kentucky form or email ask@herald-leader.com.

Lindsay Smith
The Wichita Eagle
Lindsay Smith is a suburban news reporter for the Wichita Eagle, covering the communities of Andover, Bel Aire, Derby, Haysville and Kechi. She has been on The Eagle staff since 2022 and was the service journalism reporter for three years. She has a degree in communications with an emphasis in journalism from Wichita State, where she was editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Sunflower, for two years. You can reach her via email at lsmith@wichitaeagle.com.
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