What are the odds that a Chicago man won the lottery for the second time nearly a decade later playing the same numbers? The only person luckier than him is the man who survived getting struck by lightning and who won the lottery all in one lifetime, and maybe the man whose $188 million lotto-winning girlfriend bailed him out four times.
The lucky lottery winner is 65-year-old Larry Gambles. Gambles won the $1,050,000 Lucky Day Lotto prize with the numbers 01-06-12-14-25 when his ticket matched the numbers of the June 7 drawing.
Gambles talked to the Illinois Lottery and was stunned his risky move was rewarded. He said his family also couldn't believe he had gotten lucky again.
"Nine years ago, I won $50,000 playing the numbers from the jerseys of my high school basketball team," Gambles said. "I've been playing the same numbers ever since. I can't believe they paid off again."
According to a news release from the Illinois Lottery, Gambles, who still plays basketball, is a retired school administrator living in the Matteson village of Chicago for over 20 years. Retired life just got that much sweeter.
As for what he'll do with his prize winnings? Gamble said he's going to share it with family and friends.
"Pick your favorite numbers and stick with them," Gamble advised other lottery players (who can only hope to be half as lucky). "It worked for me."
A lesson in patience and persistence for all you out there hoping to win some cash to pay off student loans or whatever debt you're drowning in.
