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Wisconsin Lottery
Tom, center, and Joe (right) are shown with their wives after winning the Powerball jackpot
Old friends Joe Feeney and Tom Cook made a pact in 1992, sealed with a handshake, that if one of them won the United States Powerball lottery, they would share it.
Almost 30 years later, Tom’s numbers emerged, and he honored the deal.
Joe said he was stunned when his friend called to say they were sharing the $ 22m (£ 17m) jackpot.
“He called me and I said, ‘Are you shaking my lock?'” Said the enthusiastic fisherman.
The two men live in the Menomonie area of the US state of Wisconsin.
“Congratulations to Tom, Joe and their families,” Wisconsin Lottery Director Cindy Polzin said in a statement. “The power of friendship and a handshake have paid off. I am excited for them. Their lucky day has come.”
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The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are estimated to be one in 292 million.
The two men decided to take a cash option of approximately $ 16.7 million, which means that after federal and state taxes, each will take home about $ 5.7 million.
Tom decided to retire after learning of the victory, while Joe was already retired. They say they hope to spend more time with the family.
“We can look for what we are comfortable with. I can’t think of a better way to retire,” said Tom.
Tom bought the winning $ 2 Powerball ticket from a store in Menomonie for the June 10 drawing.
In March 2019, another Wisconsin man was named the $ 768 million Powerball jackpot winner.
