Truck driver passing through Kentucky purchases scratch-off on a whim — and wins $50K
An Ohio man passing through Kentucky on route for his truck driving job left with a $50,000 payday after purchasing a winning scratch-off ticket.
The Kentucky Lottery announced Friday the man, who is from Fairfield, Ohio, and wishes to remain anonymous, bought the 500X scratch-off ticket at the Sparta Truck Stop in Sparta while on lunch break last week.
“I noticed a lottery banner outside the store advertising a $50,000 winner and thought that would be cool,” he told lottery officials, per the release. “I thought, ‘I’m feeling pretty good today.’ So, I got money out of the ATM and bought a ticket.”
While scratching it off, he realized he won $500 on the first spot, but he wasn’t done yet.
“I was happy and content with that,” he said. “I kept going when I scratched off two more $500 wins but then I saw $10,000. It took me a second to process.”
The ticket was worth $50,000 total. According Kentucky Lottery, the overall odds of winning any prize amount on the game are 1 in 2.98, though most prizes range from $75 to $200.
The truck stop will get a $500 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
The man said he “couldn’t be happier” with his big win.
After taxes, Kentucky Lottery cut him a check for $35,750, which he plans to use to update his home.
“Every time I think about it, I can’t believe it,” he told lottery officials.
If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling, help is available at 1-800-522-4700.
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