Florida man turns $50 scratch-off ticket into $1 million payday — Batches with dollars. Heaps of paper money packs. Million jackpot winning in lottery, symbol of riches and luxury. American (USA) dollar currency. Finances and banking concept. 3d rendered raster.

Bay County winner opted for a lump-sum payout after striking it big on a Gold Rush Multiplier ticket

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A Bay County man is celebrating a life-changing lottery win after claiming a $1 million prize from a Florida Lottery scratch-off game.

The Florida Lottery announced that 50-year-old Garey Payne of Panama City recently claimed the $1 million prize from the $25,000,000 Gold Rush Multiplier Scratch-Off game.

Payne chose to receive his winnings as a one-time lump-sum payment of $638,100.

According to the Florida Lottery, the winning ticket was purchased at a Walmart store located on South Highway 77 in Lynn Haven.

The $50 scratch-off game features two top prizes of $25 million and 60 prizes worth $1 million. Lottery officials said the game offers more than $1.2 billion in total cash prizes and carries overall odds of winning of 1-in-4.09.

Scratch-off games continue to be a major source of Florida Lottery sales. During fiscal year 2024-2025, scratch-off tickets accounted for approximately 74% of all lottery ticket sales in the state.

Since its inception, Florida Lottery scratch-off games have awarded more than $72.2 billion in prizes, created more than 2,510 millionaires and generated over $21.28 billion for Florida’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund.

Key Points

A Panama City resident claimed a $1 million prize from the $25,000,000 Gold Rush Multiplier Scratch-Off game.
The winner chose a lump-sum payment of $638,100 and purchased the ticket at a Lynn Haven Walmart.
Florida Lottery scratch-off games have created more than 2,510 millionaires since their launch.

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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