Princeton Couple Claims $2 Million Powerball Prize

Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Lottery introduced Martha and Tom Robinson of Princeton as West Virginia’s first $2 million Powerball winners of the New Year at a press conference on Tuesday at Lottery Headquarters in Charleston. The lucky ticket, which matched five numbers from the January 11th drawing with the Power Play option, was purchased from Smoker Friendly #12 in Princeton.

Martha went on the lottery website to check the night before winning numbers before going to work on Thursday morning. She noted that the numbers looked very familiar and got her tickets out to check the numbers. That is when she realized that one of their plays matched all 5 five numbers.

The Robinson’s also had purchased the Power Play option on this particular play, and because of that, their winnings doubled from $1 million to $2 million dollars.

Martha has worked in central supply at the Princeton Community Hospital for 30 years. She also works part-time at Princeton Senior High School as a cook. Thomas is a truck driver.

The Robinson’s say that the idea of winning life-changing money has not sunk in yet.

“We are both so excited. I went to work on Thursday, but did not tell anyone,” Martha said.  “My stomach has been in knots since we found out. I haven’t been able to sleep. We just can’t believe it.”

The Robinson’s have been married for 43 years, and have two adult children, six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. They plan to use their winnings to pay off bills, potentially look for a new house, and help their children.

“We play the Lottery regularly and we have won some money in the past, but nothing like this,” Martha said. “We are going to pay some bills, look at getting a new house and help our kids.

Smoker Friendly #12 will receive a bonus of $10,000 for selling the ticket.

No one matched all six numbers from this past Saturday’s Powerball drawing so the estimated jackpot for the Wednesday, January 18, 2016, drawing is now $135 Million.

Powerball tickets cost $2 ($3 with the Power Play option that multiplies non-jackpot prizes) and can be purchased at any West Virginia Lottery traditional retailer up until 9:59 p.m. ET on draw dates.