South Florida Local News
Orlando resident wins $1 million playing Florida Lottery’s $5,000,000 Crossword Cash scratch-off game, opting for lump sum payment
Orlando, Florida – In a moment that will surely change his life, Jeffery Mason, a 56-year-old resident of Orlando, has won a staggering $1 million from the Florida Lottery’s $5,000,000 CROSSWORD CASH Scratch-Off game. The lucky winner claimed his prize at the Lottery’s Orlando District Office, opting to receive his winnings as a one-time lump sum of $652,665.60 after taxes.
Mason, who purchased his winning ticket from City Store, located at 2893 Delaney Avenue in Orlando, was understandably elated. The retailer, which sold the lucky ticket, also received a $2,000 bonus commission for its role in distributing the life-changing ticket.
The $5,000,000 CROSSWORD CASH game, a word-themed scratch-off, offers players a chance to win up to $5 million instantly for a $20 ticket purchase. With more than $239.6 million in total cash prizes available, the game features four top prizes of $5 million. The overall odds of winning any prize in this scratch-off game are 1-in-2.9, providing hopeful players with a fair shot at striking it rich.
“This win is unbelievable, and it hasn’t quite sunk in yet,” Mason said. “I never expected something like this to happen to me. It’s going to make a big difference in my life.”
The Florida Lottery continues to be a significant part of the state’s economy. Scratch-Off games, including the $5,000,000 CROSSWORD CASH, make up around 74 percent of the lottery’s ticket sales for the fiscal year 2023-2024. These games have proven to be highly popular among players, and they’ve awarded over $65.5 billion in prizes since their inception. In addition to creating over 2,283 millionaires, these games have generated more than $19.80 billion for Florida’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF).
Mason’s win is a prime example of how Florida’s lottery system provides life-changing opportunities while also benefiting the state’s educational programs. With each ticket sold, a portion of the proceeds goes toward funding educational initiatives, helping students and schools across the state.
The excitement surrounding Mason’s win adds to the growing success of the Florida Lottery’s Scratch-Off games, which have consistently provided substantial cash prizes and sparked dreams for thousands of players. As more winners emerge from the scratch-off games, Florida’s residents continue to see the positive impact of the lottery, both personally and for the future of education in the state.
For now, Mason’s victory is a moment of joy and celebration, and it’s clear that this Orlando man’s life has been changed forever thanks to the Florida Lottery.
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