Show-Me State Times

The Missouri Lottery recently brought unexpected joy to a player who won $100,000 on a "Big Riches" Scratchers ticket. The winning ticket was purchased at Eagle Stop, located at 101 N. Highway 63 in Freeburg.

The winner described the moment of discovery: “I scratched the barcode first,” he said. “Then I scanned it to see if I won.” Upon realizing that he needed to claim his prize at a Missouri Lottery office, he continued scratching the rest of the ticket. Reflecting on his experience, he added, “I was having a bad day. Then I saw the win symbol and couldn’t believe it!”

The "Big Riches" game has been lucrative for many players, with over $109.4 million in prizes already awarded. However, there remains more than $34.8 million in unclaimed prizes, including a top prize of $3 million and another $100,000 prize.

In fiscal year 2024 (FY24), players from Osage County collectively won over $1.2 million in Missouri Lottery prizes. Additionally, retailers received upwards of $135,800 in commissions and bonuses from lottery sales. More than $734,000 from lottery proceeds were allocated to support education programs within the county.