A Florida man won a $1m prize from a lottery scratch card ticket that cost just $5. The Florida Lottery released a statement to announce the win in the Gold Rush Doubler scratch-off game.

chose to get a one-off payment of $685,000

Thomas Hoshko chose to get a one-off payment of $685,000 when collecting his winnings at the lottery’s West Palm Beach District Office. The 69-year-old bought the ticket at a Publix grocery store in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea; the retailer will receive a $2,000 award.

Scratch-off games are very popular in the state, making up about 72% of all lottery ticket sales in Florida during the 2022-2023 financial year. They are a major revenue source for the state government, generating more than $17bn since their creation. The money goes into the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund.