July 15, 2019 - Salem, Ore. – Both the clerk at Jimmyz Independence Gas & Mini Mart and Michael Baker couldn’t believe what they were reading when they checked the $10 Oregon’s Ultimate Winnings Scratch-it game.
“I scratched it at the store, and I thought I won $75, then $7,500 and saw $75,000 and couldn’t believe it,” Baker said. “I usually buy a few Scratch-its every now and then and I have won like $200 before, nothing like this!”
Baker’s reaction was the same as James Newbeck’s, who is the owner of Jimmyz Independence Gas & Mini Mart.
“My employees called and they kept telling me different amounts that he won,” Newbeck said. “When I came in to check, I realized we had sold a $75,000 ticket!”
Newbeck said he remodeled his gas station and mini-mart about a year ago and has only sold a winning $20,000 Raffle ticket in the past. He also said he hadn’t decided what to do with the $750 from the 1-percent selling bonus that retailers receive when they sell a winning ticket.
“This is the largest ticket we’ve sold,” he said. “We’re a small town so everybody and their brother knows that we sold it. It’s funny, we sold it almost on the anniversary of being done with the remodel.”
Baker said he was going to invest his winnings, which was $51,003 after taxes.
During the 2015-17 biennium, more than $10.9 million in Oregon Lottery proceeds were directed to economic development, parks, education and watershed enhancement in Polk County, where Baker lives and purchased his Scratch-it. Since 1985, Oregon Lottery players have won more than $38 billion in prizes.
Lottery officials recommend that you always sign the back of your tickets with each Oregon Lottery game you play, to ensure you can claim any prize you may win. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Prize winners of more than $50,000 should contact the Lottery office to schedule an appointment to claim their prize.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $12 billion for economic development, public education, state parks, veterans services and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org