money big ID 57227973 © Dennis Thompson | Dreamstime.com

$1 million lottery prank that wasn’t leaves virginia man stunned — money big ID 57227973 © Dennis Thompson | Dreamstime.com

Disputanta man thought wife was pranking him after $1 million scratcher shock

PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, VA – A Disputanta man who believed his wife was playing a joke on him is now $1 million richer after their Ultimate 7s scratch-off ticket turned out to be the game’s final top prize.

The anonymous winner and his wife purchased the ticket at Star Express, 11815 S. Crater Road in South Prince George.

Virginia law allows winners of prizes worth $1 million or more to remain anonymous. As a result, the Virginia Lottery will not release his identity.

When claiming the prize, the winner told lottery officials he initially did not believe the win was real and suspected his wife had orchestrated a prank.

The $1 million prize marks the third and final top prize claimed in Ultimate 7s, game #2360. Under Virginia Lottery policy, scratcher games are closed once the final top prize is claimed.

The odds of winning the top prize in Ultimate 7s were 1 in 408,000. The overall odds of winning any prize in the game were 1 in 3.67.

The winner said he plans to use the money to celebrate his wedding anniversary with his wife.

Star Express will receive a $10,000 bonus from the Virginia Lottery for selling the $1 million winning ticket.

All Virginia Lottery profits go toward K-12 education in the Commonwealth. Prince George County received more than $5.5 million in lottery funds for K-12 education last fiscal year. In Fiscal Year 2025, the lottery raised more than $901 million for K-12 education statewide.

Key Points

A Disputanta man claimed a $1 million Ultimate 7s scratch-off prize anonymously
The winning ticket was sold at Star Express in South Prince George
The win marks the final top prize in the Ultimate 7s game

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News