ONE lucky lottery player woke up $1million richer, but it was a key strategy that helped land her the unbelievable win.
Crystal G, who lives in Denver, Colorado, wasn’t expecting to win a whopping $1million off a Monopoly 200X Scratch ticket in May.
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When she originally scratched off the top prize, Crystal said she was “calm but shocked,” according to Colorado Lottery officials.
The reaction from her family when they heard the news was total and utter disbelief, though.
"Are you pranking me? Is this real!?” Crystal told them. “No, I have this in my hand; I think this is real!”
The software engineer, 54, now plans to use the new money to buy a house for her entire family.
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“We are getting the band back together!” Crystal said about her extended family, which includes nieces and nephews she raises as her own.
Crystal originally moved to Colorado Springs after serving in the military throughout Operation Desert Storm.
Denver was the next stop because her daughter went to college there, but she had no clue one day a lucky scratch ticket purchase would give her family a new fortune.
THE STRATEGY USED
While lottery is inherently a game of pure luck, several winners have outlined the decisions they made in order to score their massive prizes.
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For Crystal, her win came after consistently playing several times a month.
While her last largest prize was only $200 playing Cash 5, Crystal stuck to it, keeping the possibility of a big win always in the background.
She also consistently played at the same place, the Daytona Mart, where customers have been in disbelief to find out Crystal won a whopping $1million from the convenience store.
Keep in mind, however, that playing the lottery is a game of luck, and you should never spend more than you can afford.
Those struggling with gambling can call the National Problem Gambling Hot Line at 1-800-GAMBLER.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A WIN
If you find yourself one of the lucky lottery winners in your state, there are certain steps you must take to ensure you bring home the money.
Each state has its own set of rules when it comes to claiming, but you must make sure the back of the ticket is signed if it came from a retail store.
Next, you need to follow the proper claim process.
Based on the prize amount, winners can claim at retail, at a Claim Center, by mail or even through an e-Claim.
Timing is of the utmost importance though.
The following games must be claimed within one year after the drawing date:
- Mega Millions
- Powerball
- Lotto
- Lucky Day Lotto
- Pick 3
- Pick 4
- Fast Play
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Another lottery winner revealed how she turned $10 into a $1million win just by playing scratch off.
Meanwhile, one jackpot winner had to battle the bank when they wouldn’t allow her to deposit her check.
