A lucky woman who played the lottery for the first time ever has bagged a whopping $52,000 a year for the rest of her life right ahead of her 52nd wedding anniversary.
Ruth Salvatore, from Grants Pass, Oregon State, USA, hit the jackpot on Oregon Lottery's 'Win for Life' game after she decided to try her luck for the first time.
The 73-year-old who had never played the lottery before, reportedly bought five tickets at the Grants Pass Fred Meyer store in her neighbourhood.
Ruth won $2 on her first ticket but ran straight into the living room shouting "Look at that! Look at that!" to her sister Ruth and her husband Ed when the last ticket she scanned revealed an annual prize of $52,000.
As a result, Ruth and Ed will now receive an annual payment of $52,000 (£40,512) for life from Oregon Lottery.
Ruth pointed out that they are celebrating their 52nd wedding anniversary this month, making 52 a very special number for the couple.
She said they will use the cash to enjoy a holiday in the Mexican resort of Cancun and revamp their home.
They will reportedly use the rest to renovate their home.
Oregon Lottery officials said: "The Oregon Lottery recommends that you sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim any prize.
"In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings.
"Players have a year to claim their prize."
Last year, an Oregon couple managed to collect their prize after their dogs mauled their winning scratchcard.
Nathan and Rachael Lamet from Salem sent the shredded scratchcard with a note and photo of their two Alaskan Klee Kais called Jack and Apple.
Rachael said: “For some reason, we left the ticket on the ottoman and they decided it was delicious!”
Oregon Lottery said staff members “fetched all the pieces of the ticket and were able to put the ticket back together”.
The ‘delicious’ $3 (£2.30) Pharaoh’s Gold Crossword scratchcard scooped the couple a modest $8 (£6.2).
The couple couldn’t believe it when the lottery company said they had patched up the winning ticket and a cheque was in the post to them.
