Owensboro man wins $150K on scratch off ticket

Owensboro’s James Mattingly says he only plays the lottery when he has a few extra dollars in his pocket.

He’s very happy he had an extra $20 on him when he stopped by the Express Liquor Two store on West 9th Street last Thursday.

Mattingly bought four $5 50X The Cash scratch off tickets, and one of them matched No. 23, revealing a prize of $150,000.

“I always liked Michael Jordan,” Mattingly joked, as the winning number matched the basketball legend’s jersey number.

Mattingly didn’t scratch the tickets immediately.

He took them home to his wife, who got the surprise of a lifetime.

“She was like, ‘Oh my God!’ I didn’t believe her at first,” said Mattingly, who switches up the games he plays. “This week I might buy four of this kind of ticket, next week I may buy four of another kind.”

Mattingly drove to Louisville on Friday to claim his prize, which came to $102,000 after taxes.

“I’m going to invest it in a house,” Mattingly said. “It’s something I’ve been looking to do.”

Mattingly said it’s the first time he’s won a lottery prize of note. It’s also the biggest prize the store has sold.

Peter Patel, the stores manager, said Mattingly is a longtime valued customer who he couldn’t be happier for.

“Mr. James is not just a customer; he’s a valued member of our community,” Patel said. “He’s always been polite and a regular presence in our store.

“Our entire team is thrilled to see someone from our neighborhood win big, and we couldn’t be happier for him.”