Virginia man races into dmv with $1m lottery ticket hidden in pocket — money

A quick stop for food and a scratch-off in Woodbridge turned into a life-changing moment for a Manassas player

WOODBRIDGE, Va. — A Manassas man on his way to the DMV made a quick stop at a Woodbridge Sheetz for food and a Virginia Lottery ticket, only to discover moments later that he was suddenly holding a $1M winner.

The anonymous winner purchased a Gold Rush scratch-off ticket at the Sheetz located at 2500 Caton Hill Road in Woodbridge.

Pressed for time, the man decided to scratch the ticket while still inside the store.

It did not take long before he realized he had won the game’s $1M top prize.

Virginia Lottery officials said the winner immediately tucked the ticket into his pocket so nobody around him would see it.

The player later chose the game’s one-time cash option of $500K before taxes instead of receiving the full $1M prize paid over 30 years.

Virginia law allows winners of prizes worth $1M or more to remain anonymous.

Gold Rush is one of several scratch-off games offered by the Virginia Lottery. Officials said this marks the fourth top prize claimed in the game, leaving one remaining top prize unclaimed.

The odds of winning the game’s top prize are 1 in 734,400, according to the Virginia Lottery.

Lottery profits in Virginia support K-12 education across the state. Officials said Manassas City received more than $8.1 million in lottery funds for education during the last fiscal year.

The Virginia Lottery reported generating more than $901 million for K-12 education statewide during Fiscal Year 2025.

Help for gambling addiction is available through the Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline at 888-532-3500 by call, text, or online chat.

──────────────────

Key Points

Manassas man won $1M on Virginia Lottery Gold Rush ticket
Winning scratch-off purchased at Sheetz in Woodbridge
Winner chose $500K cash option before taxes

Chris Quigley Latest posts

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