Extended-time mates Joe Feeney and Tom Prepare dinner manufactured a pact in 1992 – sealed with a handshake – that if one particular of them gained the US Powerball lottery they would share it.

Approximately 30 several years later on the numbers arrived up for Tom – and he honoured the offer.

Joe claimed he was shocked when his friend known as to say they were being sharing the $22m (£17m) jackpot.

“He named me and I stated, ‘are you jerking my bobber?'” explained the keen fisherman.

The two adult males reside in the Menomonie location of the US condition of Wisconsin.

“Congratulations to Tom, Joe, and their families,” Wisconsin Lottery director Cindy Polzin mentioned in a assertion. “The electrical power of friendship and a handshake has paid out off. I am thrilled for them. Their fortunate working day has arrived.”

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The odds of profitable the Powerball jackpot are estimated to be one particular in about 292 million.

The two adult men decided to get a cash choice of about $16.7m which means that – just after federal and condition taxes – every single will take dwelling about $5.7m.

Tom resolved to retire just after mastering about the gain while Joe was currently retired. They say they are seeking ahead to investing additional time with family members.

“We can pursue what we sense comfortable with. I are unable to assume of a better way to retire,” mentioned Tom.

Tom purchased the successful $2 Powerball ticket at a store in Menomonie for the attract on 10 June.

In March 2019 an additional Wisconsin gentleman was named as the winner of a $768m Powerball jackpot.