‘How many zeroes does it have?’ Kentucky man scratches off 7-figure lottery win
A Campbell County man did what every working adult dreams of and scratched off a $1 million lottery win, the Kentucky Lottery announced Wednesday.
The man, whom lottery officials said wishes to remain anonymous, bought his ticket at a liquor store in Alexandria Dec. 22.
For $20, he played Kentucky Lottery’s $1,000,000 Casino Nights scratch-off game. The game allows top-prize winners to claim either $50,000 per year for 20 years or a lump sum payment of $700,000. The overall game odds for winning any prize, which range from $20 to $700,000, are 1 in 2.74.
Describing his reaction to win, the man told the lottery he was initially in shock and disbelief. He scanned his ticket several times at the machine and called the clerk over to make sure his eyes weren’t playing tricks.
“I thought, well, how many zeroes does it have?” the anonymous man told lottery officials.
The man’s family was equally incredulous.
“My daughter had a million questions,” the man said, according to the lottery’s news release.
Collecting his prize at Kentucky Lottery headquarters Dec. 23, the man left with a check for $504,000 after taxes for claiming the $700,000 one-time prize.
Apart from giving money to his children and buying his mother a condominium, the man said he has no immediate plans for the money — other than living the dream, that is.
Other recent Kentucky Lottery winners include a Lexington player who won more than $100,000 and a $25,000 Lucky for Life winner who purchased their ticket at a Lexington gas station.
If you or someone you know has a problem gambling, help is available at 1-800-522-4700.
Do you have a question about the lottery in Kentucky for our service journalism team? Send us an email at ask@herald-leader.com or fill out our Know Your Kentucky form.
This story was originally published January 8, 2025 at 3:45 PM.