The Florida Lottery had a busy week announcing a string of lucky winners who claimed significant prizes from various Scratch-Off games. Throughout the week, eight individuals came forward to claim prizes ranging from $1 million to $2 million.
The winning streak began on Monday when two Orlando residents claimed their fortunes. Johnnie Pleicones Jr., 61, won $1 million playing the FLORIDA 300X THE CASH Scratch-Off. He opted for a one-time lump-sum payment of $695,500.00. Mr. Pleicones purchased his winning ticket at ITIG Quick Mart in Orlando, which will receive a $2,000 bonus commission.
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Also on Monday, Hoang Nguyen, 56, of Brandon, claimed a $1 million prize from the $1,000,000 A YEAR FOR LIFE SPECTACULAR Scratch-Off game. He also chose the lump-sum option, receiving $640,000.00. His winning ticket was bought at Saigon Market Place in Tampa, earning the retailer a $2,000 bonus.
Tuesday saw another $1 million winner from the $1,000,000 A YEAR FOR LIFE SPECTACULAR game. Hector Anaya Jr., 27, of Homestead, claimed his prize, also taking the $640,000.00 lump sum. The winning ticket was purchased at a RaceTrac in Homestead, which will receive a $2,000 bonus.
The winning continued on Wednesday with two more $1 million claims. William Evans, 52, of Saint Augustine, won playing the $1,000,000 A YEAR FOR LIFE SPECTACULAR game and chose the $640,000.00 lump-sum payment.
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His winning ticket came from a Publix in Palm Coast, earning the retailer a $2,000 bonus. Later that day, Vijay Gandhi, 61, of Tampa, claimed a $1 million prize from the 500X THE CASH Scratch-Off game, opting for a $640,000.00 lump sum. He purchased his ticket at a 7-Eleven in Tampa, which also received a $2,000 bonus.
Thursday brought the largest win of the week, with Eileen Zilvetti of Palm Harbor claiming a $2 million top prize from the SILVER STREAK Scratch-Off game. Ms. Zilvetti turned a $10 ticket into a $1,195,000.00 lump-sum payment after purchasing her winning ticket at a Circle K in Palm Harbor. The retailer will receive a $4,000 bonus commission. Also on Thursday, Ramon Torres, 69, of Bradenton, claimed a $1 million top prize from the DOUBLE YOUR MONEY Scratch-Off game, choosing a $605,016.40 lump-sum payment. His winning ticket was bought at Cottage Mini Mart in Bradenton, which will receive a $2,000 bonus.
The week concluded on Friday with Jeffery Mason, 56, of Orlando, claiming a $1 million prize from the $5,000,000 CROSSWORD CASH Scratch-Off game. He elected to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $652,665.60. Mr. Mason purchased his lucky ticket at City Store in Orlando, which will receive a $2,000 bonus.
READ: From Publix Groceries To Gold: Florida Man Strikes It Rich With $1 Million Scratch-Off Win
The $5,000,000 CROSSWORD CASH game, priced at $20, offers players the chance to win up to $5 million instantly. The game boasts over $239.6 million in cash prizes and an overall winning odds of 1-in-2.9.
Scratch-off games remain a significant part of the Florida Lottery, accounting for approximately 74% of ticket sales in the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Since its inception, the Lottery’s Scratch-Off games have awarded over $65.5 billion in prizes, created 2,283 millionaires, and generated more than $19.80 billion for the state’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF).
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