News writer
A stop for a birthday gift for a friend turned into a huge cash windfall for this lucky Massachusetts man, who ended up winning $4 million on a lottery ticket!
A gift for himself
Robert J. Ostrye Jr. happened to go to a liquor store to pick up a birthday present for a friend. While he was there, the New Bedford man decided to buy a lottery ticket—a $10 Monopoly Doubler scratch-off ticket.
That was a wise choice, as he scratched the ticket and soon discovered he'd won the $4 million top prize for the ticket! So, the birthday gift for his friend turned into a huge gift to himself!
Claiming his winnings
Ostrye recently made his way to the Massachusetts Lottery headquarters to claim his prize. He decided to go with the cash option when claiming his prize, which meant he received a one-time lump sum payment of $2.6 million before taxes.
Now that he has the money in hand, Ostrye said he plans on using his new fortune to help do some renovations on his home. He also intends to use some of the money to help others.
The liquor store where Ostrye purchased the winning ticket was Jay's Wine & Spirits, located at 446 Dartmouth St. in New Bedford. For selling the winning ticket, the lucky lottery retailer received a $40,000 bonus check from the state lottery.
After Ostrye's big win, lottery officials said there are still two top-prize winners to be claimed for Monopoly Doubler.
Another big scratch-off winner in Massachusetts
While Ostrye picked up his winning ticket while out buying a birthday gift, this other lucky Massachusetts Lottery winner happened to get their winning ticket as a birthday gift!
The winner, who chose to remain anonymous, won $1 million a year for life on the new $50 scratch ticket game called Lifetime Millions.
They collected their prize under Merjon Tangovan Nominee Trust of Boston, which was represented by trustee Greg Racki, who told lottery officials that his client said the winning ticket was “the best birthday present ever.” Yes, I would say winning millions of dollars would definitely rank on the top of any birthday list!
Lifetime Millions launched in February, and this was the first $1 million a year for life prize won.
Winners of this top prize have two options: elect to receive $1 million every year for the rest of their lives for a minimum of 20 years or claim a one-time lump sum cash payment of $15.4 million.
This lucky birthday winner decided to go with the $15.4 million lump sum payment. With their winnings, they said they plan on buying a new car, traveling, and helping out their family.
The winning ticket was purchased at Northside Market & Liquors, located at 44 North Rd. in Bedford.
Enjoy playing the Massachusetts Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
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