Luck is unpredictable, and it is nowhere more apparent than in Powerball, a popular lottery game in the US that has the power to change lives within seconds. Across the US, families cling to the hope that the right combination of numbers could transform their financial future. One such family was the Louisiana family for whom a single number stood between them and the life-changing USD 1.1 billion jackpot. While they didn’t walk away billionaires, their story shows how even near misses can bring both excitement and joy.
Who is the Louisiana Family that missed the chance to win a USD 1.1 billion jackpot due to a single number?
The Stokes family of DeRidder, Louisiana, took the spotlight after their ticket matched all but one number in the September 1, 2025, Powerball drawing. According to a press release by the Louisiana Lottery, John Stokes, a father of three, purchased the ticket with dreams of securing the massive jackpot. Though they missed the top prize, the family still got USD 150,000. The bittersweet moment of the family intrigued Powerball fans across the US. Sharing his feelings, John said:
“We were shocked and feel so blessed.”
However, the win might have eased some of the tension of the Louisiana family, but not all. When some other people commented on how John and his wife would not have to worry about earning for some time, his wife, Chelcie, later added on Facebook that while the money eased some of their financial burdens, it wasn’t enough for them to retire. Sharing their plans, she said:
“I don’t know what kind of money y’all survive on, but this is not enough for us to pay off all bills and retire.”
How did John Stokes win USD 150,000?
John Stokes, who is a regular buyer of Powerball tickets, bought a new ticket at Billie’s Wag-A-Bag, LLC in DeRidder, a store on Speaking 1. He described that the store was located at a convenient distance from their home. Later, in the evening, when the family prepared to go to bed, they decided to check the winning numbers. To their surprise, their ticket had matched four of the white balls, 08, 23, 25, and 40, along with the red Powerball number, 05. Normally, that combination gets USD 50,000. But John had opted for the Power Play add-on, spending just an extra dollar. That choice tripled his prize to USD 150,000, turning their near miss into a decent win.
What is Powerball?
Powerball has long been known for creating instant millionaires and billionaires. But the stories like the Stokes family’s highlight just how less the odds are. According to Powerball, the chance to win USD 50,000 is 1 in 913,129. In contrast, the odds of securing the jackpot are a shocking 1 in 292,201,338. Still, the game’s appeal lies in the hope it offers, and with each drawing, more players dream of achieving the unlikely. As of September 5, the jackpot climbed to USD 1.8 billion, which made it the second-largest in US history. The next drawing is set for Saturday, September 6, at 10:59 p.m. ET, broadcast live from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee. It will be streamed on Powerball’s official website.
What do you think about Louisiana family’s near-hit and miss in powerball? Let us know.
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