Skipping a trip to the gym to hang out with friends lead to a $30,000 win for Kingsville resident Michelle Simms. She won a top prize on the Loteria scratch-off ticket.
Excited player takes home $30,000 top prize playing the Loteria scratch-off game
This past Saturday, Michelle Simms had every intention to head to the gym, but her friends persuaded her to meet them at a restaurant/bar instead. Even though her choice may not have benefited her physique, it sure benefited her pockets. That’s because, while there, Michelle won $30,000 playing the Loteria scratch-off game.
“I was supposed to go the gym,” smiled the big winner. “But, then my friends were all at a restaurant in the same shopping center and I decided to go there instead.”
The lucky player said they were all having a grand time when she decided to play some scratch-offs. She said she almost missed out on those too.
“So, I tried to put the money where the tickets come out and almost jammed the machine,” said Michelle. Luckily, the Lottery vending machine operated and she purchased $20 worth of tickets including two Loteria scratch-offs. Instead of scratching the instant tickets, she opted to scan each game. And, one of the Loteria tickets showed a message she had never seen before.
“The message popped up and said, ‘Congratulations, you won $30,000’,” she shared with Lottery Officials when she claimed the prize. “I said out loud, ‘No I didn’t’.”
The big winner said she scanned the ticket about nine more times to be sure and the message remained the same. Indeed, Michelle had won $30,000.
She shared the good news with her friends at the bar and then called her mother.
“You know she came right up and got the ticket from me,” said Michelle. “She wanted to confirm it and keep it safe for me.”
The local nurse stayed out and celebrated with her friends. She later contacted the Lottery to find out how to claim the prize and did so earlier this week.
Michelle said she plans to use the prize winnings for a vacation and will save the rest.
The winning ticket was purchased at Desantis’ Pizza Grill & Bar at 9638 Belair Road in Nottingham. The Lottery retailer will receive a $300 bonus for selling a winning top prize on the Loteria game.
