Lottery Scratch-Off Millions
Florida Lottery Players Claim $10 Million and $2 Million Prizes from Scratch-Off Tickets
A $20 scratch-off ticket bought at a Florida Publix turned into a $10 million jackpot in May — no Powerball required. The winner, Chuan Bao Chen, 45, of Punta Gorda, claimed the top prize from the Gold Rush Legacy scratch-off game on May 11, according to Daily Commercial.
That same month, a second Florida player hit it big on a different scratch-off. Charles Cuozzo, 58, of Kenneth City, claimed a $2 million top prize from the Scorching Hot 7s game on May 1, Herald Tribune reported. Both winners chose a one-time lump-sum payment instead of annual installments.
A $20 Ticket Becomes a $10 Million Windfall
Chen's winning ticket came from the Gold Rush Legacy scratch-off series. He bought the $20 ticket at a Publix supermarket, one of Florida's most common lottery retail locations. The Florida Lottery announced his claim on May 11, according to Florida Today.
Gold Rush Legacy is one of the Florida Lottery's higher-priced scratch-off games. At $20 per ticket, it offers larger top prizes than cheaper games. A $10 million top prize makes it one of the biggest scratch-off wins available in the state, Naples News noted.
Kenneth City Man Wins $2 Million on Scorching Hot 7s
Cuozzo, 58, claimed his $2 million prize from the Scorching Hot 7s scratch-off on May 1. Kenneth City is a small town in Pinellas County near St. Petersburg. Like Chen, Cuozzo chose the lump-sum payout option, according to TC Palm.
The Scorching Hot 7s game is a separate scratch-off product from Gold Rush Legacy. Two major scratch-off jackpots being claimed in the same month highlights how big prizes are not limited to Powerball or Mega Millions draws, Palm Beach Post reported.
Lump Sum Chosen Over Long-Term Payments
Both winners skipped the annuity option and took their money all at once. Lump-sum payouts are typically less than the advertised prize total before taxes, but winners get the cash right away. Florida does not have a state income tax, which benefits lottery winners compared to most other states, Ocala noted.
Winners Have 180 Days to Claim Their Prize
Florida Lottery rules give winners 180 days from the date of the draw to claim their prize. Missing that window means forfeiting the winnings entirely. Both Chen and Cuozzo filed their claims within that period, according to Jacksonville. Florida Lottery proceeds also go toward state education funding.
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