South Florida Local News
Port Orange man takes home a $15 million top prize after scratching off the winning ticket in the Florida Lottery’s Gold Rush Multiplier game
Tallahassee, Florida – In a stroke of luck that’s sure to be remembered for years, John Eichinger Jr., a 53-year-old man from Port Orange, Florida, has become the latest millionaire after winning a staggering $15 million playing the $15,000,000 GOLD RUSH MULTIPLIER Scratch-Off game. Eichinger claimed his top prize earlier today at the Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee, opting for a one-time lump-sum payment of $8,968,000.
Eichinger’s incredible win started with a simple $30 investment. He purchased the winning ticket from his local Wawa store, located at 1031 Dunlawton Avenue in Port Orange. As a result of the big win, the retailer also got a boost, receiving a $30,000 bonus commission for selling the lucky Scratch-Off ticket.
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“It’s unreal. I’m still trying to process it,” said Eichinger, who could hardly believe his eyes when he scratched off the ticket and realized his life had just changed forever. “This is a dream come true.”
The $30 GOLD RUSH MULTIPLIER game, which launched in September, offers more than just one big win. It has four top prizes of $15 million and six additional prizes of $1 million, making it an enticing option for those hoping to strike it rich. As of now, Eichinger’s prize stands as one of the most significant wins for the game, which also boasts a total of over $489 million in available cash prizes. The game’s odds of winning are 1-in-2.60, which adds an element of excitement for hopeful players.
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Scratch-Off games continue to play a vital role in the Florida Lottery’s offerings. In fact, these games make up about 74 percent of the Lottery’s ticket sales for the fiscal year 2023-2024. To date, the Florida Lottery’s Scratch-Off games have distributed over $65.5 billion in prizes, made 2,283 individuals millionaires, and contributed more than $19.80 billion to Florida’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF).
The success of the GOLD RUSH MULTIPLIER game is just the latest in a long line of winners across the state, with many others also claiming life-changing prizes. Florida Lottery officials have long emphasized the role these games play in supporting education within the state, funding crucial programs and initiatives that benefit students across Florida.
“We’re thrilled for John and excited that another player has claimed one of our top prizes,” said a spokesperson from the Florida Lottery. “Scratch-Off games are such a popular and rewarding way to play, and we’re proud to be able to contribute to Florida’s education system through the proceeds from these games.”
For Eichinger, the win marks the beginning of a new chapter in his life, with plans for his newfound wealth still taking shape. “I’m going to make sure my family is taken care of,” he said. “And then, who knows what’s next!”
With the possibility of more winners still on the horizon, the $15,000,000 GOLD RUSH MULTIPLIER Scratch-Off game continues to be a hot ticket for Florida residents eager to try their luck.
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