Two Arkansans celebrate lottery wins on Valentine’s Day

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Two Arkansas lottery players won big on Valentine’s Day after winning $50,000 on an instant lottery game.

James White, a resident of Harrison, won $50,000 after purchasing a $20 ticket. 

White’s winning ticket came from White Oak Station Moark #2, 701 North Main in Harrison. 

James said he only plays lottery games for fun, usually aiming to breakeven.

However, one morning White decided to buy two scratch-off tickets and won $500 on the first and $50 on the second. 

Using his winnings, James bought an additional ticket and scratched it off at home. The last row of his ticket held the $50,000 prize.

White plans on using the winnings to work on his house.

Another lottery player, William McAtee, won $50,000 at El Paso Shell, 1820 Highway 64 West in El Paso. 

The El Paso man discovered his win while he was still in the store. 

McAtee plays instant lottery games every other day and has his own unique play style – scratching his tickets from left to right. 

When he began to scratch his tickets, he saw zeroes.

McAtee said he was in shock when he realized he won $50,000.

“I couldn’t believe it,” McAtee said.

He then shared the news with his children and grandchildren.

McAtee said he plans to use the winnings to take care of his kids.