After growing for more than a month, the $255,116 Easy 5 jackpot was hit by two tickets in the Aug. 20 drawing. Last week, the first of those winners stepped forward.

 

Michael Page visited Louisiana Lottery headquarters on Friday to claim his $127,558 prize, which is half of the jackpot for that drawing. A second jackpot-winning ticket was sold in Ville Platte. The holder of that ticket has yet to step forward.

 

The 30-year-old Madisonville resident received $89,290 after state and federal taxes were withheld. Page said he plans to use the money to pay some bills and buy a new car.  He purchased his winning ticket at Fuel Smart in Mandeville. The store will receive a one-time selling bonus of $1,275.58, which is 1 percent of the ticket’s jackpot prize.

 

Lottery ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age.  Draw-style game tickets must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing. Anyone who may have a gambling problem or friends and family of anyone with a gambling problem should call toll free 1-877-770-7867 for help. For security purposes, the Lottery strongly encourages players to sign the back of their tickets immediately after purchasing. 

 

Easy 5 drawings are held every Wednesday and Saturday except for Christmas Day. More information about other Easy 5 winners can be found on the Lottery’s website, www.louisianalottery.com/winners.