Second Time Lucky

A Texas Lottery scratch card player who won a $20 prize decided to follow an unexplainable desire to buy a second ticket, and ended up winning the top Mega Bucks prize of $1,000,000!

Oscar Waters, from Amarillo, has been playing scratch cards (known as scratch-offs in many parts of the USA) fifteen years ago, but although he may have occasionally dreamed of landing a big win, he wasn’t really expecting to become a millionaire from them: “I was in shock,” Oscar said, “but I didn’t scream or jump.”

Instead, Oscar played it cool by tucking his folded newspaper under his arm and quietly leaving the Toot N Totum store with the million dollar ticket secure in his hand. His $1,000,000 top prize was the third of three such prizes, so the chances of other Mega Bucks players being quite as lucky are non-existent, though there are obviously many lesser prizes still available in the game.

Oscar, who had been a successful vacuum cleaner salesman, quit his job after the win and is now planning to enjoy his retirement in style, with a new home and a new car at the top of his shopping list. He intends to spend more time with his family, travel to all the places he’s always wanted to visit and become a community volunteer.

Texas Lottery Commission Executive Director Anthony J. Sadberry said: “For some of our players, winning provides an opportunity to help others and reconnect with family. It is an admirable way to use the prize money.”

The Toot N Totem store that sold Oscar his million dollar ticket receives a bonus of $10,000. And no doubt those Texan friends and neighbours who learn about Oscar’s win will be trying their luck at landing the Mega Millions jackpot tomorrow night – the jackpot stands at an estimated $112 million. Maybe Oscar himself will buy a ticket and see if he can make it three out of three!

Article Last Updated: 02/08/2007