News Release

Consistency Pays Off for Bloomington Resident Wins Gopher 5^® Prize

AUGUST 12, 2009 — “Consistency pays off,” Craig Dahl of Bloomington said as he claimed a $108,939 Gopher 5 prize on Aug. 11. Dahl has played the same 10 sets of Gopher 5 numbers for 3½ years. “Every number is covered,” Dahl said. His faithfulness to the game paid off on Aug. 10, when one set of his numbers matched those drawn that night to win $108,939.

Dahl said he checked the winning numbers on the Lottery’s Web site after the drawing. “I saw the numbers and thought, ‘Those look like the ones I play,’” he recalled. “I grabbed the tickets and looked. This time they all lined up!”

The winning ticket was purchased at Holiday, 7925 Wayzata Blvd. in Golden Valley.

Two tickets matched the winning Gopher 5 numbers (1-11-18-20-33) drawn on Aug. 10 to share the $217,878 jackpot. Each ticket was worth $108,939. The winner of the other half of the jackpot has not yet claimed the prize. That winning ticket was sold in Lyon County.

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.

Gopher 5 drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday after the Daily 3® and Northstar Cash® drawings. Tickets must be purchased by 6:10 p.m. on the day of the drawing.

Check for Lotto Games winning numbers and unclaimed prizes information. Players can also get winning numbers 24 hours a day by calling (651) 634-1111.

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.

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.