News Release

Gopher 5^® Numbers Finally Pay Off

Golden Valley Resident Wins $101,655 Jackpot

JUlY 17, 2008 - Reginald Washington of Golden Valley has been playing the same five sets of Gopher 5 numbers for a long time. On July 15, one set of numbers on his ticket matched all five numbers drawn. Washington’s ticket was one of two winning tickets sold to split the $203,310 jackpot. Each ticket was worth $101,655.

On Wednesday morning (July 16), Washington checked the numbers on his ticket against the numbers that were drawn. He was happy to match three numbers to win $15 on line 2, but it was the numbers on line 3 that got his attention — they all matched! “I had to check them and check them again,” Washington explained. “I’ve always said that some day, one day, we’ll win the Gopher 5 lottery.”   

The winning Gopher 5 numbers on July 15 were 3-5-7-21-27. Washington said those numbers correspond to his wedding day (May 3), his lucky number (21) and two numbers he randomly selected (7 and 27).

Washington claimed his prize yesterday, with his wife by his side. “This is a wonderful day. I’ve always thought about them (Lottery officials) some day saying, ‘Congratulations Reginald and Carol — you’re Gopher 5 winners!’”  

The winning ticket was purchased at SuperAmerica, 1930 Douglas Drive in Golden Valley.

The holder of the second jackpot ticket from the July 15 drawing, which was sold in St. Louis County, has not yet come forward to claim the $101,655 prize.

Gopher 5 is Minnesota’s own cash lotto for which players pick five numbers from 1 to 47 for a chance to win a jackpot of at least $100,000. The odds of matching all five numbers to win the jackpot are 1 in 1,533,939. The odds are 1 in 7,304 for matching four of five numbers to win $500; 1 in 178 for matching three of five numbers to win $15; and 1 in 13 for matching two of five numbers to win $1. The approximate overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 12.

Lottery players must be 18 years of age or older. Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know needs help with a gambling problem, call (800) 333-HOPE.

Visit www.mnlottery.com for information about the Minnesota State Lottery, including winning numbers and unclaimed prizes. Players can also get winning numbers 24 hours a day by calling (651) 634-1111.

This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling (651) 635-8273. TTY users should dial (651) 635-8268 or (800) 657-3833.

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