Tampa Woman Wins $1 Million from Lottery Scratch-Off Ticket
TAMPA, Fla. — A fortunate resident of Hillsborough County, Derinda Main, aged 67, struck it rich by claiming a $1 million prize from a lottery scratch-off ticket. Main purchased the winning ticket from the Discount Cigarette and Grocery store, located at 1424 South Kingsway Road in Seffner.
On a recent day, Main chose a $20 million Crossword Cash scratch-off ticket. This popular game, which features a word-themed design, has become a favorite for many players. Upon learning of her win, Main opted to take her prize as a one-time lump-sum payment of $652,665.
Retailer Benefits from Ticket Sales
As part of this remarkable win, the retailer that sold the ticket, Discount Cigarette and Grocery, received a commission bonus of $2,000 for their role in the transaction.
The Florida Lottery indicates that the crossword game is part of a larger pool offering over $239.6 million in cash prizes. Among the prizes, there are four top prizes valued at $5 million each. The overall odds of winning any prize with this scratch-off option stand at approximately 1-in-2.90, making it an attractive gamble for many players.
Another Million-Dollar Winner
Notably, this recent win in Tampa is not an isolated event. A woman from Clearwater, located in nearby Pinellas County, also claimed a $1 million prize from the same scratch-off game, showcasing the game’s potential for rewarding players.
Scratch-Off Popularity and Financial Impact
As of 2023-2024, scratch-off tickets account for around 74% of all lottery ticket sales in Florida. This form of betting has proven beneficial not only to individual players but also to the state’s finances. The Florida Lottery reports that over $63.1 billion in prizes have been awarded since the program’s inception, contributing more than $19.25 billion to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund.
This fund supports educational initiatives throughout the state, highlighting how winnings from scratch-off tickets can lead to broader community benefits.
Conclusion
With such substantial prizes and community contributions, the appeal of lottery scratch-off tickets continues to grow in Florida. As more residents participate in hopes of landing fortune, the potential for life-changing wins persists, just like Derinda Main’s recent experience.
