Quick game before grocery run turns into $249K jackpot for Virginia woman
FISHERSVILLE, Va. — A quick stop to play the lottery before heading out for groceries turned into a life-changing moment for a Virginia woman who walked away with nearly a quarter-million-dollar jackpot.
Kathleen Egeli was getting ready to leave for the store on St. Patrick’s Day when she decided to try her luck on the Bucks Triple Play online game.
What started as a casual play quickly escalated.
As her winnings began to build, Egeli decided to increase her bets slightly — expecting maybe a modest prize.
Instead, the total kept climbing.
“I thought I’d win a smaller prize, but it just kept going and going!” she said.
Moments later, she realized she had hit a jackpot worth $249,947.
“I just couldn’t believe it,” Egeli said. “I was in a daze in the grocery store.”
Despite the shocking win, she plans to use the money in a practical way — taking care of her family and paying bills.
Bucks Triple Play is one of several online instant games offered by the Virginia Lottery, allowing players to play from their phones or computers with varying prize levels and odds.
Lottery officials say proceeds from ticket sales help fund public education across the state, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars each year to K-12 schools.
Key Points
- Virginia woman won $249,947 playing lottery before grocery trip
- Jackpot came during St. Patrick’s Day online game session
- Winner plans to use money to support family and pay bills