POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. --Rodie Rainey of Lowndes is just 18 years old, but the Missouri Lottery has already played a big role in her life. The rodeo rider and student uncovered a $100,000 prize on a ticket she purchased last week. Rainey said she "had a feeling" when passing Arab Station, Highway 51, in Zalma.
"I was on the way home, and I pulled into the gas station thinking I needed to buy a scratch-off ticket," she explained. "I was having some bad luck that day, and I had $10 left in my wallet, so I just pulled into the gas station and bought it."
Rainey purchased a "Millionaire" Scratchers ticket and began uncovering prizes in the parking lot.
"All 20 numbers matched the top five," she recalled. "I couldn't believe it. I was in shock."
Rainey has already received some help of sorts from the Missouri Lottery. She's attending Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff on an A+ Scholarship, which the Lottery helps fund. She plans to get a degree in agriculture business management, and hopefully work on a farm someday. She currently helps on her family's farm, when she's not barrel racing for the Three Rivers Rodeo Team.
Rainey said she plays all of the Lottery games, but prefers Scratchers games.
"I play scratch-offs more, because I win off those regularly," she said.