Grandpa lets computer pick lottery numbers. It paid off big — and will help grandkids
When Steven Bates chose to play the Virginia Lottery recently, he decided to really put his luck to the test.
The Kenbridge grandfather bought his Cash 5 with EZ Match ticket at the city’s Slip In — and let a computer randomly pick his numbers, according to a news release from lottery officials.
His gamble paid off quickly, though: Bates matched all five numbers, winning the game’s $582,719 jackpot, officials said.
“I was happy and excited to win,” Bates told lottery officials.
Now, the retiree will put his winnings toward his grandchildren’s college funds, he said in the lottery’s release.
Kenbridge is about 70 miles southwest of Richmond.
This story was originally published July 31, 2023 at 3:05 PM with the headline "Grandpa lets computer pick lottery numbers. It paid off big — and will help grandkids."
