Dollar bills background. Pile of american money cash. One hundred usd dollars banknotes. Financial and economic crisis

Virginia man hits $541k jackpot while ‘goofing around’ online — Dollar bills background. Pile of american money cash. One hundred usd dollars banknotes. Financial and economic crisis

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — What began as a casual moment of online gaming ended in a six-figure windfall for a Virginia Beach man who struck a $541,440 jackpot playing The Lamp, an online progressive game from the Virginia Lottery.

Brian Cullen said he was just “goofing around” with the game when he unexpectedly hit the jackpot. The Lamp is one of many digital instant games available on the Virginia Lottery’s website and mobile app, offering players the chance to win prizes with odds of 1 in 3.55 per play.

The Virginia Lottery confirmed the prize and said the progressive jackpot had reached more than half a million dollars at the time of Cullen’s win. The game is among a growing library of digital offerings alongside online ticket purchasing for Powerball, Mega Millions, and other draw games.

Cullen, who was already planning for retirement, said the win came at the perfect time and will help with those plans.

All profits from the Virginia Lottery go toward public education. Virginia Beach received more than $39.7 million in Lottery funds for K-12 schools last fiscal year, part of the $934 million raised statewide in Fiscal Year 2024.

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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