A lucky woman who played the lottery for the first time ever has secured herself an astonishing USD 52,000 a year for the rest of her life right ahead of her 52nd wedding anniversary.
Ruth Salvatore from the city of Grants Pass, Oregon State, USA, hit the jackpot on Oregon Lottery’s ‘Win for Life’ game after she decided to try her luck for the drawing on Monday, 5th June.
The 73-year-old woman who had never played the lottery before, reportedly bought five tickets at the Grants Pass Fred Meyer store in her neighbourhood.
She said she was thrilled to win USD 2 (GBP 1.6) on the first ticket, but ran straight into the living room out of happiness when the last ticket she scanned revealed an annual prize of USD 52,000 (GBP 41,000).
Reminiscing on the moment she shared the news with her sister and husband Ed, Ruth recalled how she excitingly pointed towards her phone and told them: “Look at that! Look at that!”
At lottery headquarters in the city of Salem on Friday (9th June), Ruth and her husband revealed they will use some of the money to go on a trip to Cancun, Mexico, for their 52nd anniversary.
They will reportedly use the rest to renovate their home.
Oregon Lottery officials said in a statement obtained by Newsflash: “The Oregon Lottery recommends that you sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim any prize.
“In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings.
“Players have a year to claim their prize.”
