Winner kept the million-dollar ticket in his pocket all day, unaware of its true value
By Kate Northrop
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — As if the initial surprise of winning $1,000 from the lottery wasn't enough for one day, one Florida player experienced the shock of a lifetime when he re-checked the ticket in his pocket and discovered that it was actually worth $1 million.
Lee Wingfield, 63, of Tallahassee checked his scratch-off lottery ticket to find that he had won a prize of $1,000. The only issue, if there was one to begin with, was that he didn't notice a few extra zeros at the end of that number.
"I originally thought I won $1,000, so I put the ticket in my pocket and went about my day," Wingfield explained to the Florida Lottery. "That night, I realized my prize had a lot more than three zeros in it!"
Initially pleased with the $1,000 Wingfield was probably even more elated to go get his actual winnings at Lottery headquarters in Tallahassee, which he claimed as a one-time lump sum payment of $890,000.
He purchased the winning ticket for $20 from a Publix grocery store at Northeast Capital Circle in Tallahassee. The ticket belongs to an instant scratch-off game called "200X THE CASH" that launched just last month on Sept. 21.
The Publix store will receive a $2,000 commission check for selling the lucky ticket.
Wingfield's recent win means there are 16 remaining second-tier prizes of $1 million remaining out of the original 20 that were available at the game's launch. There are also eight out of ten jackpot prizes worth $5 million left to claim.
Florida players looking to claim prizes valued at $5,000 or more can request an appointment at a lottery office through the Lottery's official website. Winners of $600-$4,999 are advised to either use the secured drop box located at each district office or mail in their tickets to Lottery headquarters or a district office.
What a nice surprise for him...glad nothing happened to that ticket!
I know he's a happy man!
Congrats to the Happy Winner!
Three more zeros makes a big difference!
How lucky can he be? I mean suppose the ticket was unsigned and fell out somewhere. Certainly they would inquire to the ticket holder where/when did you buy the ticket?
Wow!!
Congrats to the lucky guy.
l just love these kinds of stories.
Still waiting to read : Was emptying my pants pockets before putting them in the washer, and came across a ticket that was a week away from expiring. Turns out that ticket was worth a million dollars. Sure glad the wife told me to load the washer, once Covid is over, we taking a trip abroad.
I see l am still " living rent free inside that head of yours."
Some people just don't get it, anyways- as you were.
LOL.
Not a big win by any stretch, but cashed a super straight pick 3 today---$600. Of course I can't find the night time ticket same #'s...018, first three of my SSAN. 180 came in!