Man scratches $1m ticket inside store and instantly knows he hit big
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Man scratches $1M ticket inside store and instantly knows he hit big

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1 min read
March 17, 2026
$1M scratch-off winner celebrates instant win inside store

LYNCHBURG, Va. — A Virginia Lottery player didn’t have to wait long to celebrate after scratching a $1 million winning ticket right inside a convenience store.

The anonymous winner purchased the ticket at a 7-Eleven on Timberlake Road in Lynchburg and scratched it on the spot.

As soon as he revealed the winning symbols, he realized what had happened.

According to lottery officials, the man immediately recognized the win and knew he had just landed a life-changing prize.

The ticket came from the “In the Money” scratch-off game, which offers prizes ranging from $50 up to $1 million.

The winner chose to take the one-time cash option of $476,000 before taxes instead of receiving payments over 30 years.

Lottery officials said the Lynchburg store that sold the winning ticket will receive a $10,000 bonus.

This marks the first top prize claimed in the game, with two $1 million prizes still remaining.

The odds of winning the top prize are 1 in 408,000, while overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.5.

The winner told officials he plans to use the money to buy a pool and a hot tub.

Key Points

  • $1 million scratch-off ticket sold in Lynchburg
  • Winner scratched ticket inside store and realized instantly
  • Ticket purchased at 7-Eleven on Timberlake Road

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

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