Mega Millions winner was inspired by a dream

WASHINGTON — The winner of an $189 million Mega Millions jackpot says he picked the winning numbers after having a prescient dream.

The dream came to the Anne Arundel County man one night before buying his lucky ticket at a Severn, Md., Dash In. Relatives recited the winning numbers in the dream, he says.

He also played different combinations of the numbers along with his birth date in the dream.

“It’s like they were talking to me about the numbers in the dream,” he said, according to a Maryland Lottery press release. “I prayed, ‘Lord, if you want this money to belong to me, guide my hand.'”

The winner has chosen to remain anonymous, but did say he initially hid the ticket under a water jug he and his wife use for their spare change. He then moved it into a light bulb socket after unplugging the lamp and removing the bulbs.

He will take home $86 million after state and federal taxes. He plans to share the winnings with his extended family and set up a charity.

The winner was surrounded by relatives when he claimed his prize Friday morning. They dubbed themselves the “Lucky Family” and hid their faces behind signs for a publicity photo.

The jackpot is the second-largest in Maryland history.

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