Kentucky Hunter Wins $1.1 Million Online Lottery Prize After Declining Son’s Call

MCCREARY COUNTY, Ky. — A Kentucky hunter said declining a call from his son while playing an online lottery game in a deer stand led to his winning a $1.1 million jackpot, officials said.

The man, who was waiting for deer to appear, decided to pass the time by playing the Kentucky Lottery’s Wolf Ridge Jackpots online game. He initially won $1,500 and added $200 more to his account, but his game was repeatedly interrupted by calls from family members, which caused his phone to freeze.

When his son called, the hunter declined the call, and shortly after, he heard a rumbling sound indicating he had won the $1.1 million prize on a $30 wager. The sound echoed through the woods, surprising him.

He then called his wife and sent her a photo to confirm the win. She initially thought he was calling to report a big deer sighting. Both were overwhelmed by the news, with the man saying they were crying and stressed out. He also mentioned the risk of falling from the deer stand, which is about 30 to 40 feet high.

The couple said they plan to use the winnings to buy a new home and share with their family. The winner reflected on the moment, saying it took him 50 years to become a millionaire all at once.

Kentucky Lottery officials confirmed the details of the win but did not provide additional information about the man’s identity.