Hopewell woman wins nearly half a million dollars playing a Virginia Lottery online game after asking late mother for a little help
Hopewell, Virginia – What started as a lucky streak for Mathilda Thayer of Hopewell turned into an unforgettable moment when she won nearly half a million dollars through a Virginia Lottery online game.
It all began on a Friday night when Ms. Thayer had already scored a $1,000 prize earlier in the day playing one of the lottery’s online offerings. Encouraged by her good fortune, she decided to try her luck again—this time with The Lamp, a popular progressive jackpot game offered by the Virginia Lottery. Before playing, she quietly asked for a little assistance from her late mother.
“I about died!” Ms. Thayer said in disbelief. “I looked at it and said, ‘Is this real?’” she recalled after realizing she had just won a staggering $460,968 jackpot.
Big Wins and Big Odds
The Lamp is one of many instant online games available through the Virginia Lottery’s mobile app and official website, valottery.com. Known for its progressive jackpot feature, The Lamp builds its prize pool until someone hits it big—just like Ms. Thayer did. The odds of winning any prize in the game are 1 in 3.55 per play, making her win all the more remarkable.
In addition to The Lamp, players can enjoy other online games and purchase tickets for well-known draws such as Powerball, Mega Millions, Cash4Life, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, and Cash 5 with EZ Match.
The Virginia Lottery reminds players that all participants must be at least 18 years old and physically located in Virginia when playing online.
For Mathilda Thayer, a bit of luck—and perhaps a little help from above—turned a regular Friday evening into a moment she’ll never forget.
