US Man Wins Rs 25 Crore Lottery Prize Thanks To Forgotten Lunch

When an ordinary employee realises they've forgotten their lunch box on the way to work, it often means turning back, causing a delay in reaching the office. But for one man, a simple phone call from his wife about the forgotten lunch sparked a series of unexpected events-ones that would ultimately make him a millionaire.

According to Missouri Lottery officials, a lottery player received a phone call from his wife when she realised he had forgotten his lunch at home. Not wanting to backtrack, he decided to stop at a grocery store to see if he could find something for lunch before turning around. He never dreamed it would lead him to a $3 million (Rs 25.24 Crore) top prize on a "Millionaire Bucks" Scratchers game.

"I normally don't play the $30 tickets, but since I had $60 that I had won earlier on some other Scratchers tickets, I thought, 'Why not?'" the winner explained.

Scanning the ticket before leaving Schnucks, 3900 Vogel Road in Arnold, he noticed the screen said 'Lottery Winner.'

"I was completely surprised! I didn't think I had won!" he shared. "Then I saw all the zeros!"

He immediately called his wife back to share the news.

"I like to play jokes," he chuckled. "It took a little convincing for her to believe me!"

In Fiscal Year 2024, Jefferson County saw over $40.6 million awarded to players in Missouri Lottery prizes. Local retailers earned more than $3.9 million in commissions and bonuses, while over $2.7 million from lottery proceeds contributed to educational programs across the county.