Woman accidentally buys a Powerball ticket and wins big: 'Best mistake of my life'

Winning a lottery can be a life-changing stroke of luck, but it often feels like fate plays a significant role. While some people carefully plan their numbers, others, like Miriam Long from Christiansburg, Virginia, win by sheer accident. According to the Virginia Lottery, Long intended to try her luck at the Mega Millions jackpot, which had a prize of over $800 million. However, she accidentally purchased a Powerball ticket instead—and ended up winning $1 million.

But fate had other plans. When Long went to buy her ticket, she accidentally pressed the button for a Powerball ticket instead of the Mega Millions. That “mistake” won her $1 million with just the click of a button. “It’s the best mistake of my life!” she exclaimed. Long hadn’t employed any strategy; she used the "Easy Pick" option, which randomly selects numbers. She was in disbelief that a simple error had led to such a massive win. “My heart was pounding, it was overwhelming,” she shared.

WUSA9 shared Long’s story, calling it a “happy accident.” “We can add Miriam Long’s story to the list of ‘happy accidents,’” the host said before titling her as the woman who “became a millionaire by accident.” The Powerball numbers were 16, which she didn’t match and 10-17-20-39-44 were the winning numbers, per WDBJ7. Also, retailers who sell these winning tickets receive a $10,000 bonus each from the Virginia Lottery, a winning situation for the store.

Lotteries are indeed a game-changer for not just the winner but even those around them. In a similar instance, an aged man, Paul J Riley, also banked 4 million dollars after winning a lottery through a cash ticket and the overjoyed man found a mesmerizing way to spend it. Though no accident and just a blessing here, it was all for the right reason. The man won the whopping amount and already had 2 major payments in mind. Firstly, Riley decided to buy his wife a car and his selflessness doesn’t stop there, per CBS News.

He is also going one step ahead to donate a major portion of his winnings to an animal shelter. Riley, who has a pet dog himself, understands the needs of the furry guys and can’t help but share with them what he has received. @mastatelottery even posted a picture of the adorable winner with his pet dog and a massive cheque. The caption read, “$4 million winner pictured with his VIP, very important puppy, Raven. He plans on buying his wife a car and donating to the Animal Rescue League!” It does not get more wholesome than this. Receiving a lottery, not just of money but of smiles and kindness and going one step ahead to share the same is as delightful as it can get.

Editor's note: This article was originally published on April 8, 2024. It has since been updated.