Woman wins $150,000 lottery using ChatGPT: Here’s how she did it

ChatGPT

Artificial intelligence has helped people with everything from writing essays to helping doctors with diagnoses. But in Virginia, USA, it has now played an unlikely role in a lottery win.

According to a New York Post report, Carrie Edwards struck gold in the September 8 Virginia Lottery Powerball after asking ChatGPT to pick her numbers. The AI-generated combination matched four of the first five numbers plus the Powerball, which won her $50,000. Since she had opted for the $1 Power Play feature, her winnings tripled to $150,000 — around ₹1.32 crore.

Edwards recalled the moment she casually asked ChatGPT for help when buying her ticket. “I’m like, ChatGPT, talk to me… Do you have numbers for me?” she said at a press conference. Two days later, she received a notification on her phone telling her to claim her prize. At first, she thought it was a scam. “I thought, ‘I know I didn’t win,’” she admitted. But soon enough, she realised the numbers from ChatGPT had indeed landed her a six-figure jackpot.

Instead of spending the money on herself, Edwards made a decision that surprised many — she pledged the entire amount to charity. She said she immediately felt that her winnings were a blessing that needed to be shared. “I knew exactly what I needed to do with it. I want this to be an example of how other people, when they’re blessed, can bless other people,” she explained.

Her donations are going to three causes close to her heart. The first is the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), which funds research into the condition that claimed her husband’s life last year. The second is Shalom Farms, a nonprofit focused on fighting food insecurity through sustainable farming. The third is the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, which supports service members and their families.

Edwards’ story is drawing attention not just for the unusual role of ChatGPT in her win but also for her generosity. While most lottery winners think of financial security or luxury purchases, she chose to give it all away. For her, the unexpected fortune wasn’t about personal gain — it was about making a difference.