Show-Me State Times

A Missouri Lottery player experienced an unexpected windfall after purchasing a "Crossword Plus" Scratchers ticket at Murphy Oil in Webb City. The player, who regularly visits the location for gas, won a $50,000 top prize on what turned out to be the store's last day of operation before closing for remodeling.

The winner recounted the moment of realization: “I always go there to get my gas,” she said. “It was actually the last day they were open before they closed to remodel the store.” Upon scratching the ticket, she initially believed she had won $500. However, upon further inspection, she discovered the true amount and was overwhelmed with emotion. “I was excited at first because I thought I won $500, but then I saw the $50,000 and I started shaking so bad!” she said.

To confirm her win, she scanned the ticket again. “I thought I was going to fall through the floor!” she added. “It was a blessing.”

The "Crossword Plus" game has awarded over $5.7 million in prizes thus far, with more than $9.8 million still unclaimed. This includes six additional top prizes of $50,000.

In Jasper County during fiscal year 2024, players claimed over $15 million in Missouri Lottery prizes. Retailers earned over $1.4 million in commissions and bonuses from these sales, while education programs in the county benefited from more than $3.5 million in appropriated Lottery proceeds.