HOLIDAY SURPRISE FOR $2 MILLION 2ND CHANCE LOTTERY DRAWING WINNER & 17 OTHERS

NASHVILLE—“You made my Christmas!”  This sentiment was shared among nearly all of this week’s 18 lucky Tennessee Lottery players who won cash prizes by entering non-winning tickets into a “Play It Again!” drawing. Knoxville’s Jake Dilbeck nearly dropped the phone when he learned of his incredible $2 million prize, the highest of the lineup, which ranged from $500 to $2 million.

“I don’t expect it’s going to change me much,” said Mr. Dilbeck, a former stone mason. “I’ll keep fishing and be the same ole’ fellow,” he told Rebecca Hargrove, Lottery President and CEO. Mr. Dilbeck won by entering a non-winning Mega Millionaire Jumbo Bucks instant ticket more than a year ago.

Samuel Darrell of McMinnville won $250,000 by entering a $250,000 Fortune instant ticket, and plans to “buy some dirt” (land), a house, and keep working at a local warehouse. For Antioch’s Nissa Price and husband Brian, their $150,000 win will help repair their car, which was in the shop when they received the big news.

“What better time of year to spread some cheer,” said Rebecca Hargrove, President and CEO of the Lottery. “Most of the winners don’t believe it’s me when I call to tell them the news … but dreams do come true, and this is one of those times.”

To “Play it Again,” players simply register eligible non-winning instant tickets at tnvipsuite.com, easier than ever with the new TN VIP app.

Additional winners include:

Eric Borne of Gruetli Laager, $250,000 from a Mega Monopoly ticket
Nancy Key of Afton, $250,000 from a Diamond 7s ticket
Katrina Robinson of Madison, AL, $150,000 from a Black and Gold ticket
Jesse Bonds of Dyer, $100,000 from a Platinum Doubler ticket
Neven Jacoub of Antioch, $75,000 from a Lady Jumbo Bucks ticket
Adel Agounine of Knoxville, $33,333 from a Triple Win ticket
Doris Orr of Knoxville, $30,000 from a $200 Mayhem ticket
Gary Arnold of Henderson, $25,000 from a Lucky Slots ticket
Cynthia Davis of Nashville, $20,000 from a Holiday Magic ticket
Edwina Bond of Whitehouse, $10,000 from a $10,000 Jackpot ticket
Jonah Rogan of Gallatin, $5,000 from a $100 Mayhem ticket
Susan Ramsey of Smyrna, $5,000 from a Lady Luck ticket
Zaton Rideout of Memphis, $2,000 from a Hot Chicken ticket
Tresa Romines of Watertown, $1,000 from a Serious Jack ticket
Bethel Dowdy of Byrdstown, $500 from a Holiday Cash ticket

About the Tennessee Education Lottery

The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation operates entirely from the revenue it generates through the sale of its products. Since January 20, 2004, the Lottery has raised more than $3.9 billion to fund designated education programs, including college grants and scholarships, after-school programs and Tennessee Promise. 

In addition to the educational beneficiaries, players have won more than $10.4 billion in prizes and Lottery retailers have earned more than $1 billion in retailer commissions.

For additional information, visit tnlottery.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. Have Fun. Play Responsibly.