Man Named Gambles Wins Lottery for 2nd Time Using Same Numbers

Larry Gambles, of Matteson, won $50,000 nine years ago and played the same numbers to win $1,050,000 this month

You can't make this stuff up.

A suburban Chicago man with the last name Gambles has won the lottery for the second time, using the same numbers.

Larry Gambles, of Matteson, won a $1,050,000 Lucky Day Lotto jackpot prize when his ticket matched all five numbers — 01-06-12-14-25 — in the June 7 drawing.

"Nine years ago, I won $50,000 playing the numbers from the jerseys of my high school basketball team," Gambles told the Illinois Lottery. "I’ve been playing the same numbers ever since. I can’t believe they paid off again."

Gambles, 65, is a retired school administrator and has lived in Matteson for more than 20 years, where he continues to play basketball. He plans to share the winnings with his family and friends. 

Harvey’s Corner BP, at 18300 South Cicero Ave. in Country Club Hills, where the winning ticket was purchased, received a $10,500 bonus for selling the ticket.

As for Gambles' advice to other lottery players, he said, "Pick your favorite numbers and stick with them."

"It worked for me," he added.

Contact Us