Husband wins lottery prize before anniversary. ‘She’s going to get a little spoiled’

An Iowa lottery player won big just before his eighth wedding anniversary , noting the “good timing” of his good fortune.

Mike Ewald, 48, of Des Moines said he made his routine stop at a local convenience store after work and bought a “MONOPOLY Game Tokens Progressive” InstaPlay ticket, according to an Oct. 3 news release from the Iowa Lottery.

He scanned his ticket in the store and saw he’d won, lottery officials said.

“I immediately checked it with my mobile app and took a screenshot and sent it to my wife,” he told lottery officials.

“She said, ‘Oh my gosh, is that yours?’ And I’m like, ‘Yes, it is!’” he told lottery officials.

Ewald won $17,140.80 on his ticket, according to lottery officials.

The winner said his good luck struck at just the right time, telling lottery officials he and his wife were about to celebrate their eighth wedding anniversary.

“I think she’s going to get a little spoiled this year,” he said. “We might have to hit the jewelry store.”

Ewald said he is also considering using his prize money to upgrade the stereo on his motorcycle and get a new tattoo, according to lottery officials. The rest he said he plans to put in savings.

The winning ticket was purchased at a Kum & Go in Des Moines, according to the release.

Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.

If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

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