'I always knew I'd win big': Virginia woman wins $900,000 online instant game jackpot

A lucky Virginia woman with a track record of winning various contests and competitions decided to test her luck with an online instant game. To her amazement, she emerged victorious and won over $900,000.

Cheryl Howerton of Boydton, Virginia won $991,681 after playing VIP Spins, an online game by the Virginia Lottery.

It was as any other Saturday. Howerton was sitting on her back patio with her husband when she received a notification.

She glanced down at her phone and read it carefully - she had just won the jackpot on VIP Spins, a casino-style game where players can bet between $2 and $50 on a virtual wheel in hopes of winning a prize. Howerton started shouting for joy, which got the attention of her husband.

“My husband thought something was wrong. I always knew I’d win big!” she later told Virginia Lottery officials.

She considers herself lucky, as she has won many contests in the past. She told the Virginia Lottery that she has no immediate plans for these winnings.

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What is VIP Spins?

The Virginia Lottery app offers a variety of online instant games, including VIP Spins. This game is among the top three contributors to the Mega Money Jackpots, which continuously grow with more players joining from multiple states.

What are the odds of winning VIP Spins?

The odds of winning in VIP Spins are 1 in 3.67 per game. The latest jackpot was won by Howerton on Sept. 30.

The current jackpot is $1,465,228. Players can purchase plays for $2, $5, $10, $20, $30, or $50. Odds per game are based on the maximum number of possible tickets played.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?  

Tickets can be purchased in-person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.  

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms and conditions.