LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville woman has some merry money in time for the holidays after winning the Kentucky Lottery.

Lauren Risen wagered 20 cents and walked away with more than $117,000 by winning Kentucky Lottery's online game, Merry Money Bonus. 

"It's surreal," Risen told Kentucky Lottery officials. "It didn't feel real. It's a lot of money. It's life-changing."

Risen won while playing Dec. 8. After she put her daughter to bed, Risen played KY Lottery Instant Play games as part of her usual routine. She has won before, but hitting the jackpot was unexpected.

"It still just doesn't really feel real," Risen said. "You just never have had that amount of money come up."

Risen woke up her, husband Robbie, to show him the win. They've been married for 25 years.

"I woke him up and he was like, 'Nuh-uh!'"  Risen said. "I knew that he wouldn't believe it. I hadn't even cleared off the game yet, so it showed down at the bottom that I won the $117,000."

The couple plans to use some of the winnings to pay off living expenses. They'll also use the winnings to pay for Christmas gifts for their children and grandchildren, along with giving money to their church.

"It's going to be spent on the right things because we're not going out and blowing it," Robbie said.

The couple walked away with $83,897.07 after taxes.

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