2/11/2013 - 3:34 PM

Lake Providence Man Claims $70,000 Easy 5 Jackpot Prize

The Louisiana Lottery's Easy 5 jackpot was hit for the fourth time in 2013 on Feb. 6 - this time by Paul Tatum of Lake Providence. The 42-year-old was tipped off to check his $70,000 winning ticket after his wife called to remind him. When Tatum called her back to tell her he'd indeed won the prize, she initially didn't believe him and made him send her a picture of the ticket.

Tatum said he loves playing Easy 5 with ezmatch -along with Lotto and Powerball-every Wednesday and Saturday. Like another recent Easy 5 jackpot winner, he said he and his family plan to go to Disney World with the winnings.

Tatum's Quick Pick ticket with the numbers 04-11-13-20-26 was purchased at Jong's in Lake Providence. The store will receive a one-time selling bonus of $700, which is one percent of the prize. Tatum received $49,000 after federal and state taxes were withheld.

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. More information about other Easy 5 winners can be found in the "Meet Our Winners" section of the Lottery's website, www.louisianalottery.com.