A routine drive paid off Tuesday for Tim Smith of Lawrence County after he claimed the Lotto 5 jackpot prize of $860,305 — the largest jackpot paid to a single winner for that game.
“I called the Lottery player hotline four times to check my numbers,” said Mr. Smith. “I made Amanda (his girlfriend) listen, too, because I just couldn’t believe it.”
It’s his girlfriend that Tim has been driving to visit in neighboring Wayne County for several years. That routine trip also includes a stop to purchase Tennessee Lottery tickets.
Mr. Smith, an employee of Modine Manufacturing in Lawrenceburg, said his life isn’t really going to change that much. “I’m going back to work this afternoon, but I will say, the kids are going to have a great Christmas.”
Lotto 5 drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights at 10:34 p.m. CST (11:34 p.m. EST). The estimated jackpot for Wednesday night’s drawing is $40,000, while the Powerball jackpot now stands at $179 million for that same night.