ALBUQUERQUE – By simply spending one more buck, Los Alamos resident Regino Gonzales multiplied his recent $200,000 Powerball ® prize into a $400,000 windfall.

For the March 8 drawing, Gonzales purchased five “quick pick” plays. He also spent an additional $1 on each wager for the Power Play ® feature. Power Play multiplies non-jackpot prizes two, three, four or five times, depending on the Power Play number drawn.

After the drawing, Gonzales discovered that his ticket’s numbers - 17, 29, 31, 34 and 49 – matched the five white balls drawn for a $200,000 prize. Gonzales and wife Deborah immediately called their daughter, Wendi, to share the exciting news. Wendi - slightly more composed than her parents - asked about the “multiplier.” Suddenly, Gonzales realized that his $200,000 ticket was worth twice as much, thanks to Power Play.

“Winning is so much better when (the prize) is multiplied,” Gonzales said.

The self-employed businessman said part of his prize would go toward a green 1955 Chevy Nomad. He also plans to give a cash gift to his daughter’s family and make investments.

“Wendi told us that at times like this, she’s glad she’s an only child,” Gonzales quipped.

The winning ticket was purchased at Quik Stop No. 2 located at 11 Rover Blvd. in White Rock. This lottery retailer has sold 13 other large prize-winning tickets ranging between $1,000 and $250,000.