Wisconsin Lottery: Wisconsin lottery winner will support family with winnings
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A Marshfield, Wisconsin, man is a million dollars richer, at least before taxes, after winning the Powerball lottery.
Rafael Ruiz Jr., 28, is also Wisconsin's first Power Play winner.
"They called me at work. I couldn't believe it. I didn't wanna leave right away cuz I thought she was playing a joke on me," Ruiz said.
He matched all five Powerball numbers, which typically means winning $200,000. But since he chose the Power Play option, his winnings multiplied by five.
Coming to Baltus Car Wash, where the ticket was sold, is part of Ruiz's weekly routine.
"Every Friday I come here and get gas and play the lotto, get whatever I need real quick."
And now that he's won, supporting his family is his number one priority.
"I'm just relieved I don't worry now," Ruiz said. "I've slept like a baby for two days. I don't have to worry. This is a big part of my life that I don't have to worry about now."
"Basically I just wanna take care of my immediate family. My old lady, my kids...get a nice house, some reliable vehicles. I still gotta work. I still gotta find a way to make money. This isn't gonna last forever," he said.
But the thrill of winning just might.
Ruiz won using Powerball quick pick. "The hope of winning something was always on my mind. Even if it was $2,000," Ruiz said. But he's determined to win even bigger using numbers he chooses.
"I'm gonna still play til my numbers hit though. I want my numbers to win," he said.
And he's not the only winner. Baltus Car Wash received $20,000 in commission.
Even the cashier who sold the ticket gets a piece.
"I did. I got a small percentage," said Daniel Baltus, who pocketed $500.
And now customers are filing in, hoping to make their dreams come true too.
"It's very exciting for our store, especially for our winner," said Donna Manicke, manager of Baltus.
Ruiz will take home $682,000 after taxes.