Woman tries to buy Mega Millions ticket, accidentally wins $1M Powerball prize instead

BLACKSBURG, Va. (WSET) — A lottery mix-up turned out to be a happy accident for a Virginia woman after she tried to buy a Mega Millions lottery ticket recently.

As the Mega Millions jackpot was accumulating nearly $900 million at the time in March, Miriam Long in Christiansburg decided she wanted to take her chances at the jackpot.

But in a twist of fortune, she accidentally bought a Powerball ticket instead of Mega Millions--and the ticket was a big winner.

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“It’s the best mistake of my life!” she told lottery officials after her ticket matched the first 5 winning numbers in the March 18 Powerball drawing.

The Virginia Lottery said Long told them she couldn't believe she'd won.

“My heart was pounding!” she said. “It’s overwhelming!”

The CVS at1775 South Main Street in Blacksburg where she bought the ticket will also receive a $10,000 bonus.