Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Man named Larry Gambles wins the lottery twice in nine years with the same numbers

The 65-year-old still plays using the jersey numbers of his high school basketball team

Elsa Vulliamy
Friday 24 June 2016 12:12 EDT
Comments
Larry Gambles with his winning ticket
Larry Gambles with his winning ticket (Illinois Lottery)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A man named Larry Gambles has won the lottery twice in nine years using the same numbers, with winnings totalling $1.1m.

Mr Gambles, from Matteson, Illinois a small village south of Chicago won over $1m in the Illinois lottery when his ticket matched all five numbers on 7 June. As his name might suggest, this is not the first time he’s played, or the first time he’s won.

“Nine years ago, I won $50,000 playing the numbers from the jerseys of my high school basketball team,” the 65-year-old told the Lottery when presenting his winning ticket. “I can’t believe they paid off again!”

After the clerk verified his ticket, Mr Gambles went straight home to tell his family the good news.

“They couldn’t believe that I won the lottery again!” he said.

Mr Gambles, a retired school administrator, has lived in Matteson for twenty years, and continues to play basketball. He says he plans to share his winnings with his family and friends.

When asked what advice he has for other lottery players, he said: “Pick your favourite numbers and stick with them. It worked for me!”

The Illinois lottery uses 24 per cent of its proceeds – around $690m per year – to benefit causes such as HIV/AIDS prevention, curing breast cancer and support for disabled veterans.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in