Iowa Man Won $2 Million Powerball Prize - But No One Believed Him
Saturday May 25th 2019Rob Maser won a $2 million Powerball prize – but he couldn’t get anyone to believe him.
Maser called his wife, his dad and others after he found out about his amazing Powerball win – but no one believed his exciting news!
Maser admitted that he’s seen by family and friends as a bit of a practical joker.
“I’ve told my dad that when I win the lottery, I’m going to buy him a boat,” said Maser, 49, of Urbandale, near Des Moines, Iowa. “So I called today and I told him I won the lottery, and he said I’m a liar.”
Luckily, Maser was able to prove his claim by taking a picture of the receipt he got showing that the lottery had cashed his ticket – and later, of the paperwork he filled out to claim the prize.
“This is going to be all retirement,” said Maser, who works at an automotive dealership. “I’m not quitting my job or anything, but this is going to be a huge cushion for retirement.”
He and his wife will also get some items for their home that they’ve discussed, including new carpet and paint. And of course, there’s the boat for his dad.
“It’s a huge boost. It’s a life changer,” he said.
Maser bought his winning ticket for the Wednesday, May 15 drawing at a store he regularly visits on his commute to work, the Kum & Go at 4585 156th St. in Urbandale.
The next day, he visited the store to check his ticket. The store’s staff also couldn’t believe he’d won, until they saw the lottery terminal’s message confirming he had won $2 million.
“They said, ‘You did win!’” Maser laughed. “They’ve already taken pictures, too. And they’re happy.”
Kum & Go will receive a $2,000 bonus from the Iowa Lottery for selling the ticket.
The jackpot for the May 15 drawing was $250.3 million. The winning numbers were 7, 17, 33, 61, 68 and Powerball 4. The Power Play number was 2.
Maser’s winning ticket was a Match 5, meaning it matched the five white balls drawn, but not the Powerball. This would have meant a $1 million prize, but because Maser added the Power Play option, he doubled his winnings to $2 million. He was the only player to win $2 million in that drawing.
Maser explained why he always adds the Power Play option for an extra $1 to his purchase. “I would be upset if I won and I only got $1 million instead of $2 million,” he said.
No one has hit the jackpot by matching all six numbers yet, so tonight’s draw has reached $308 million! Don’t miss out – get your tickets.
Latest News