Phoenix resident claims $1 million second place Powerball prize

PHOENIX, Arizona -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- The Arizona Lottery announces that a Phoenix resident has claimed the $1 million second place Powerball prize from the drawing on Saturday, December 14. This is the 28th $1 million Powerball second prize winning ticket sold in Arizona since $2 Powerball launched in January 2012.

Karina Ahumada purchased a two-line Powerball Quick Pick ticket at the Shell Food Mart located at 9853 N. 19th Ave. in Phoenix. When she went to the store to check her ticket, the clerk told her, "You won a lot of money. You'll have to go to the Lottery office to claim your prize."

Karina's son, boyfriend, and brother-in-law were with her at the Lottery office when she found out she'd won $1 million. Karina, who works in the kitchen of a school district, is an occasional player of Powerball and Mega Millions. When she does play, she only buys Quick Picks. Most of the time, she buys $2 Crossword and $2 Bingo Scratchers.

Karina plans to pay off some bills with her winnings and also intends to take her son to Disneyland's Cars Land. She also is considering buying a new car for herself. She will invest the rest of her winnings.

"We could not be happier to have another $1 million Powerball second prize winner in Arizona, especially right before the holidays," said Karen Bach, director of budget, products and communications for the Arizona Lottery. "We expect to see a substantial increase in the number of new millionaires statewide in the coming months due to the recent Mega Millions redesign."

The next Powerball draw is on Christmas, Wednesday, Dec. 25 for an estimated $74 million jackpot. Tickets can be purchased at any Arizona Lottery retailer.