Includes video report
BOISE, Idaho — Last Saturday evening, Jacob Christopherson of Meridian, Idaho, had a self-described "freak-out" moment — but in a good way. That's when Christopherson began checking his Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle tickets for winners. And he could not believe what he was seeing.
"I had been buying tickets around the 25,000th tickets, trying to win one of the $1,000 prizes. I stopped in the Maverik by my mom's house and just bought one to see what the current ticket number was," Christopherson said, on the purchase of his ticket. He was referring to the Idaho Lottery's instant win feature that occurred once each 25000th ticket purchased. "It was just a random purchase," he pointed out.
That random purchased turned out to be the top prize winner in the "Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle" game, making Christopherson the Idaho Lottery's newest millionaire and the ninth in this game's history.
"I called my mom, I called my girlfriend, I was definitely freaking out, but in a good way," Christopherson stated. "I told them I had the $1,000,000 winner, but then had them double check and write the numbers down, too. I wanted to be sure. I'm still shaking. I don't believe it. People don't believe me that I won."
Seeing is indeed believing and Christopherson presented the Idaho Lottery with winning ticket number 087162 on Monday morning at Idaho Lottery offices for payment.
His winning ticket was purchased from Maverik at Locust Grove and McMillan in Meridian. This is the fifth year out of the past six years where the top prize winning ticket in the "Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle" game has been sold at a Maverik location.
Christopherson plans to invest his winnings wisely and use some of it to pursue his passion for playing golf.
The two $10,000 prizes from this year's "Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle," one each from Ada County and Canyon County, have not been claimed.
Lottery officials said this year's $1,000,000 Raffle game generated more than $800,000 in benefits for Idaho Public Schools and the State's Permanent Building Fund.
VIDEO: Watch the news report
I wouldn't have called anyone. That's all I need, a bunch of Vultures flying in circles over my house..lol
Congrats to Jacob Christopherson on his win! I only bought one ticket this time and no winner.
"His winning ticket was purchased from Maverik at Locust Grove and McMillan in Meridian. This is the fifth year out of the past six years where the top prize winning ticket in the "Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle" game has been sold at a Maverik location."
Hope this is large chain otherwise hmmmmm....
Maverik gas stations are a large chain. They are all over the place here. In my town alone there are 3 and the next town over has one I believe.
It's been said " Patience is a virtue " TSC- perhaps your Freak out moment begins tonight. .
All the best!
Congrats Jacob enjoy your win!!!! I'll be joining you soon in the winner's circle (fingers crossed, fingers crossed, fingers crossed)!!!
Congratulations on your win Jacob! A cool million (or 1/2 that after taxes) is a fabulous way to start the year!
Stinker has more locations, and Jackson's has more than Stinker and Maverik put together. Very strange that most raffle tickets have been sold at Maverik.
When people hear where the winning lottery ticket is sold they will go out of their way to drive there to buy a ticket.
Congratulations! I wish you well. This is the perfect opportunity to seek council on how to handle the money and just as important how to handle the people looking at the money that don't belong to them. Stay safe and happy new year!
Congratulations Jacob you Deserve it