Even the Kentucky Lottery may have been shocked by this big win.
An anonymous man from Eastern Kentucky has hit the jackpot, winning the $3 million top prize on the Kentucky Lottery's $30 Jackpot Scratch-off.
Here’s a picture of the winning ticket.
The fortunate event occurred at a Food City in Pikeville, Kentucky and marks a significant windfall for both the winner and the store.
Pikeville is located about an hour from the West Virginia border in the Southeastern part of the Bluegrass State.
A Routine Gas Stop Turns Fortunate
The lucky winner was on a routine stop at the Food City on Cassidy Blvd to fuel up for a long road trip. As a regular lottery player, he often buys $20 and $30 scratch-offs, typically winning smaller sums like $100 or $200.
“I like to take a chance and maybe earn some gas money,” he said.
This visit, however, proved extraordinary when he chose a $30 Kentucky Jackpot Scratch-off. To his disbelief, he uncovered the number 27, which revealed the game's top prize of $3 million.
Winner Wasn’t Even Sure It Was a Winning Ticket
Unsure at first, the winner scanned the ticket to confirm the win, initially reading, “You have won two million and forty thousand dollars, you know that sort of thing.”
The magnitude of the win slowly settled in during his drive to the Lottery headquarters on February 6th. “This morning sometime, I began to believe it,” he shared.
Kentucky Lottery Provides Multiple Payment Options
Opting for the lump-sum payment over annual installments, the Pike County man received $2,040,000 before taxes. After taxes, his prize amounted to $1,468,800.
Winners of the $3,000,000 prize have the option of receiving $150,000 per year for 20 years or a lump sum cash payment of $2,040,000 less minimum required taxes.
The family plans to use the substantial windfall to clear outstanding debts.
But the good news for the rest of the state is that, according to the Kentucky Lottery website, there is still one more $3 million ticket out there.
The Kentucky Jackpot scratch-off game is relatively new. It was added to the list in early January, and has already paid out big.
The chances of winning a prize and the actual number of prizes remaining in a game, including top prizes, will change as tickets are sold, prizes are claimed and games are reordered and distributed.
Store That Sold Ticket Celebrates a Win Too
Food City in Pikeville also benefits from this jackpot win, receiving $20,400 for selling the winning ticket. This win underscores the excitement and possibilities that the Kentucky Lottery brings to both players and local businesses.
Kentucky offers limited options for online casino gambling, and in-person. Although sports betting, including mobile apps and online platforms, is now legal in the state, online casino gaming remains prohibited. There are only a handful of states with legalized online casinos.
There used to be what are called "gray machines" around the state. They often referred to gaming or gambling machines that operate in a legal gray area, meaning they aren't clearly classified as legal or illegal under certain laws. In 2023, lawmakers passed House Bill 594 to ban these games and clarify the rules around gray machines.
Kentucky residents also have access to a handful of sweepstakes and social casinos. You can play for fun or use your own currency (like Gold Coins or Sweeps Coins) to chase cash prizes. Some even offer bonus codes that you can take advantage of. Whatever route you do choose, always remember to gamble responsibly.
