Small business owner hits big jackpot on mobile lottery game

Stephenson man wins $407K jackpot playing Virginia Lottery mobile game

STEPHENSON, Va. — A quiet night at home turned into a six-figure payday for Ron Simkhovitch, who won a $407,589 progressive jackpot while playing The Lamp: Dark Arts on his mobile device.

Simkhovitch, a small business owner from Frederick County, was playing the Virginia Lottery’s online instant game when the surprise hit. The win came through the Lottery’s mobile platform, where the game is available alongside dozens of others.

The Lamp: Dark Arts features a growing jackpot and offers odds of 1 in 3.85 for winning a prize. Simkhovitch said he was shocked by the outcome and currently has no immediate plans for the money.

The Virginia Lottery allows players to purchase games like Powerball, Mega Millions, and Cash 5 with EZ Match online, provided they are at least 18 years old and physically located in the state.

Lottery funding supports local education initiatives

According to the Lottery, all profits benefit public K-12 education in Virginia. Frederick County, where Simkhovitch resides, received more than $8.2 million in Lottery funding last fiscal year. Statewide, the Lottery raised more than $934 million for education in Fiscal Year 2024, accounting for roughly 10% of Virginia’s overall K-12 budget.

Players can find information about Lottery-funded programs and prize claims on the official Virginia Lottery website.

Chris Quigley

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