Janean Haber of Nampa, Idaho, has claimed a $417,100 jackpot from the Idaho Lottery’s Idaho Cash draw game. This marks the second largest jackpot in the history of the game. Haber said she had dreamed about winning several years ago and continued to play regularly.
“That day is today!” Haber said when collecting her prize. She explained that after her dream, she read stories about people who believed they would win and eventually did. “I kept believing, I played regularly, and here I am. The big winner!”
Haber previously tried to win the largest Idaho Cash jackpot last fall, which was ultimately won by an out-of-state group named Mudspell Pizza, LLC. She expressed support for pending legislation in the Idaho Statehouse aimed at preventing bulk ticket purchases by non-residents.
“I am glad the Idaho Lottery is supporting the legislation to stop bulk purchasing by those players from out-of-state that were here last fall,” Haber said regarding House Bill 504. “When they come in and play, average players like me have less of a chance to win. Idaho jackpots are for Idahoans! Let’s keep it that way!”
Idaho Lottery Director Andrew Arulanandam commented on both Haber’s win and the legislative efforts: “Congratulations to Janean for her big win and thanks to all our legislators who voted for and support House Bill 504. Idaho is better served when the integrity of our games is preserved and average Idahoans have better odds to win life changing money instead of these winnings ending up on a profit and loss column on a corporate ledger.”
House Bill 504 is sponsored by Representative Joe Alfieri (R – District 4) and Senator Jim Guthrie (R – District 28). It passed the House with 62 votes in favor, six against, and two absent or excused members. The bill now awaits a final vote in the Senate.
Haber plans to use some of her winnings for a trip to Las Vegas focused on exploring ghost adventures rather than gambling. Her winning ticket was purchased at Winner’s Corner in Boise.
The Idaho Lottery offers various games such as Powerball, Mega Millions, Scratch GamesTM, and PullTabs. Since its start in 1989, it has sold over $6.2 billion worth of products and distributed $1.348 billion in dividends to public schools and buildings across Idaho.
