3/26/2010 - 9:08 AM

Zachary Man Wins $10,000 Playing Powerball for the First Time

Dezneil Jones of Zachary poses with Lottery President Rose Hudson after claiming a $10,000 Powerball prize from the March 20 drawing at Lottery headquarters in Baton Rouge.

Dezneil Jones of Zachary had a case of beginner's luck when he played Powerball for the first time and won $10,000 in the March 20 drawing.

"I thought I was in trouble when my grandfather started shouting at me from the other room," explained Jones.  "I was shocked when I got in there and he told me I won." 

Jones, age 24, shared that he decided to try Powerball because his grandfather regularly plays the game.  He added after winning on his first ticket, he plans to become a regular Powerball player like his grandfather. 

Jones' ticket matched four of the five white ball numbers drawn and the red Powerball number to win $10,000. The winning numbers for the March 20 Powerball drawing were 09-36-39-44-45 and the Powerball number was 09.

Jones purchased his winning ticket from Winn Dixie Store #1581 on Church Street in Zachary. He plans to use his winnings to help his grandparents with bills and purchase himself a car.  He also plans to get his grandfather something special for inspiring him to play. 

Ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age. The Lottery encourages anyone who may have a gambling problem or friends and family of anyone with a gambling problem to 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.