March 4, 2020 – Salem, Ore. -- When Ruth Wallace sent her fiancé Scott O’Neil to the store for groceries, a Scratch-it worth $250,000 was not on the list.
Normally Ruth purchases the Scratch-its, and only every so often, she said. However, this time Scott bought the tickets and happened to pick up some of the $20 Scratch-its.
“We usually buy the $5, $2 or $1 tickets,” she said. “I was shocked he got some $20 tickets. I thought that was extravagant.”
That is, until the Klamath Falls couple scratched the tickets. Each ticket Ruth scratched were winning tickets, they said. Every single ticket Scott touched, was a non-winner.
“Then I scratched my last ticket and thought it was a $250 winner. That made me pretty excited,” Scott said. “Then Ruth looked at it and realized it was actually $250,000!”
Scott purchased the $20 Cash Spectacular Scratch-it at the Madison Market on 6th Street in Klamath Falls. After taxes the couple took home $170,000.
The couple said they were moving into a new home soon, so the winnings will go toward new furniture and moving expenses. They also said they may purchase new cars.
During the 2019 fiscal year, more than $8.9 million in Oregon Lottery proceeds were directed to economic development, parks, education, Outdoor School, Veterans services and watershed enhancement in Klamath County, where Scott O’Neil lives. Since 1985, Oregon Lottery players have won more than $38 billion in prizes.
The Oregon Lottery reminds players to always sign the back of their Lottery tickets, regardless of the game. In the event of winning a jackpot, they should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Prize winners of more than $50,000 are advised to contact the Lottery office and schedule an appointment to claim their prize.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $12 billion for economic development, public education, Outdoor School, state parks, Veterans services and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org