John Cheeks, a Powerball player, is taking legal action against Powerball and the DC Lottery after being denied a $340 million jackpot. The incident unfolded on January 6, 2023, when Cheeks purchased a Powerball ticket, choosing numbers tied to family birthdates.
Despite missing the live drawing, Cheeks discovered on January 8 that the DC Lottery's website displayed his selected numbers as the winning combination. Excitement turned to disappointment when he realized the website numbers differed from those announced during the live broadcast.
“I just politely called a friend. I took a picture as he recommended, and that was it. I went to sleep,” shared Cheeks with NBC.
The DC Lottery website maintained the error for three days, leading Cheeks to attempt redeeming his ticket on January 10, only to find no match with the live drawing. A visit to the DC Office of Lottery and Gaming prize center confirmed he was not the winner.
“This is about fairness and accountability. If I make a mistake, I pay for it. If they make a mistake, the player pays for it,” asserted Cheeks.
The lawsuit alleges negligence by Powerball and the DC Lottery, citing the website discrepancy as the cause of Cheeks missing out on the life-altering jackpot. Cheeks seeks justice and resolution through the legal proceedings.