December 6, 2018 – Salem, Ore. – Arriving early at the Wilsonville Payment Center paid off for a Portland man who won more than $118,000 while waiting for the center to open.
Sam Hawley of Portland felt he had great luck when he won $1,750 playing Special Keno 8-Spot, so he headed for the Oregon Lottery’s Wilsonville Payment Center. The problem is he arrived early, the center opens at 8:30 a.m. and he arrived around 7:30. While he waited, he went to the Wilsonville Fred Meyer and purchased another Keno ticket with his tried and true numbers.
“I have used the same numbers for years,” Hawley told Lottery officials.
When he turned in his $1,750 ticket, he realized while waiting he had purchased a $118,759 winning Keno 8-Spot ticket.
All eight of his numbers matched, bringing him $25,000 and the 8-Spot rolling jackpot was $93,759.60. When players play the Keno 8-Spot, if no one has selected all eight numbers drawn, the rolling jackpot continues to grow. Hawley also opted to play Special Keno, a free option, where there is an expanded prize structure for larger prizes.
During the 2015-17 biennium in Clackamas County, where Hawley played Keno, more than $55 million in Oregon Lottery proceeds were directed to economic development, parks, education, and watershed enhancement.
Lottery officials recommend that you always sign the back of your tickets with each Oregon Lottery game you play, to ensure you can claim any prize you may win. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Prize winners of more than $50,000 should contact the Lottery office to schedule an appointment to claim their prize.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25,1985, it has earned more than $11 billion for economic development, public education, state parks and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org
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