Smithfield man kicks off new year with $100k virginia lottery win

SMITHFIELD, VA — Richard Bellew, a retired U.S. Navy officer, started the new year with a $100,000 win playing the Virginia Lottery’s Knight’s Bounty online game.

On the morning of January 1, Bellew decided to try the new game on the Virginia Lottery app and quickly landed the six-figure prize. Knight’s Bounty, one of the Lottery’s many online instant games, offers a top prize of $150,000 with odds of winning any prize at 1 in 3.73.

Bellew, who resides in Isle of Wight County, said the windfall might lead to a new car in the near future. His community benefited from more than $3.7 million in Lottery funds for K-12 education last fiscal year, part of the $934 million the Lottery raised statewide for public schools in Fiscal Year 2024.

Virginia Lottery players can enjoy a variety of online games, including Powerball, Mega Millions, and Pick 5, provided they are 18 or older and physically in Virginia.

The Lottery continues to remind players to enjoy gaming responsibly while supporting education in the Commonwealth.

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News