Topeka Resident Claims $40,000 Powerball Power Play Prize

A Topeka resident, who wished to remain anonymous, is very happy she added the Power Play option to her Powerball ticket for the October 20 drawing.  The lucky winner matched four numbers plus the Powerball. That would have been a $10,000 winning ticket but since she added the Power Play option, she actually won a cash prize worth$40,000!  The Topeka resident picked her own winning numbers using family members' birthdays. She has been using the same numbers for the past 10 years.

The winning Powerball numbers for the Oct. 20 drawing were 4-21-28-31-44 Powerball 10.  The Topeka resident's winning numbers were 04-20-21-28-31 Powerball 10.

Players who purchase the Power Play option pay an additional $1 per play, but are guaranteed to win larger prizes. The guaranteed prizes range from $2 million for matching the first five Powerball numbers to $12 for matching only the Powerball number.

"On Sunday, I looked up the winning numbers in the paper," said the winner.  "Since I picked my own numbers and have been playing them for so long, I knew immediately I had won.  My only concern was whether or not I added the Power Play option to my ticket.  I usually always buy the Power Play option, but get in a hurry sometimes and forget.  I was relieved when I checked my ticket and saw I had purchased Power Play. It took a while for everything to sink in."

After double checking the winning numbers on the Kansas Lottery's website, the Topeka resident signed the back of her winning ticket and placed
it in a fire-proof safe.

"When you win that big of a prize, you think of things like your house burning down," said the winner.  "I wanted to make sure my ticket was safe."

According to the winner, she plans to continue using her own winning numbers when playing Powerball.  She will also continue adding the Power Play option.

"I don't see why people wouldn't add the Power Play option," said the winner.  "It pays out more when you win.  That's why when I play Hot Lotto, I always add the Sizzler option and when I play Mega Millions, I always add the Megaplier."

The winning ticket was purchased at The Market, located at 4700 NW Hunter's Ridge Circle in Topeka.