Woman screams after winning $3. 9 million lottery jackpot while playing in bed

Woman screams after winning $3.9 million lottery jackpot while playing in bed

A Virginia woman’s bedtime lottery game ended with a scream that sent her children rushing into the room after she discovered she had won a jackpot worth nearly $4 million.

RICHMOND, Va. — A Newport News woman won a $3,908,819 Virginia Lottery jackpot after deciding to play the online Banker’s Bonus game while lying in bed before going to sleep.

The winner claimed the prize anonymously, as permitted under Virginia law.

According to the Virginia Lottery, the woman said she suddenly sat up and screamed when she realized she had hit the jackpot.

“I scared my children,” she told Lottery officials. “I just can’t believe it!”

Her teenage children rushed into the room after hearing her scream.

Banker’s Bonus is one of the Virginia Lottery’s online instant games, available through the Virginia Lottery app and at valottery.com. The progressive jackpot increases as more people play.

The game has overall odds of 1 in 3.90 per play.

In addition to online instant games, eligible players who are at least 18 years old and physically located in Virginia can purchase Powerball, Mega Millions, Millionaire for Life, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5 and Cash 5 with EZ Match online.


Key Points

  • A Newport News woman won a $3,908,819 Banker’s Bonus jackpot.
  • She said she screamed after realizing she had won while playing in bed.
  • The winner claimed the prize anonymously, as allowed under Virginia law.
Local News Report

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