Virginia Woman Wins $150K After Playing 9-9-9-9-9 Three Times
TAPPAHANNOCK, Va. — A Virginia woman struck it big after betting on the same five-number combination three times — and watching all five digits hit.
Sarah Sorrell of Dunnsville purchased three Virginia Lottery Pick 5 tickets, each with the numbers 9-9-9-9-9, at the Fas Mart located at 1998 Tappahannock Blvd. in Tappahannock.
When the February 5 night drawing produced 9-9-9-9-9, Sorrell matched the numbers in exact order on all three plays, winning the $50,000 top prize three separate times for a total payout of $150,000.
She wagered exact order on each ticket, meaning the numbers had to match precisely as drawn. The odds of matching all five numbers in exact order are 1 in 100,000.
Pick 5 drawings are held daily at 1:59 p.m. and 11 p.m., with a $1 exact-order ticket carrying a $50,000 top prize.
Sorrell said she plans to use the winnings to pay off her mortgage.
The Virginia Lottery reported that in Fiscal Year 2025 it generated more than $901 million for K-12 education, accounting for roughly 10% of the state’s total K-12 school budget. Essex County, where Sorrell lives, received more than $1.3 million in Lottery funds for education last fiscal year.
Key Points
- Sarah Sorrell won $150,000 playing Virginia Lottery Pick 5
- Bought three tickets with 9-9-9-9-9
- February 5 night drawing produced 9-9-9-9-9
- Won $50,000 on each play in exact order
- Odds of exact match: 1 in 100,000
- Plans to pay off her mortgage
- Lives in Essex County