Salem man walks away with $500,000 before taxes after hitting the jackpot on a scratch-off ticket purchased during his lunch break
Salem, Virginia – Most people spend their lunch breaks grabbing a meal, running errands, or taking a quick break from work. But for Richard Aldridge of Salem, Virginia, his midday routine turned into a life-changing moment when he stopped to buy a Diamond Spectacular scratch-off ticket and won $1 million.
An Unforgettable Lunch Break Surprise
Aldridge, a mechanic, was on his way home for lunch when he decided to stop at Hanging Rock Grocery on Thompson Memorial Drive in Roanoke. He purchased a Diamond Spectacular scratcher from the Virginia Lottery, not realizing that his break would take an unforgettable turn.
After buying the ticket, Aldridge scratched it in the store’s parking lot. What he saw left him completely stunned—he had just won the game’s $1 million top prize. “I was in shock, complete shock!” Aldridge told Virginia Lottery officials. “I showed the ticket to my wife, and she was in shock too!”
His incredible stroke of luck instantly made him one of the biggest lottery winners in Virginia this year.
Choosing the Lump Sum Cash Option
After confirming his win, Aldridge had to decide between receiving the full $1 million prize in annual payments over 30 years or opting for a one-time cash payout of $500,000 before taxes. He chose the lump sum option, securing his winnings upfront.
In addition to Aldridge’s big win, the store that sold the winning ticket also benefited, receiving a $10,000 bonus from the Virginia Lottery as a reward for selling the lucky scratch-off.
Diamond Spectacular and the Odds of Winning
The Diamond Spectacular scratcher, known as game #2285, is one of the many lottery games available in Virginia. Players can win prizes ranging from $20 to $1 million, making it an attractive choice for those hoping to strike it big.
With Aldridge’s win, only one more top prize remains unclaimed in the game. The odds of winning the $1 million prize are 1 in 612,000, while the overall odds of winning any prize in the game are 1 in 3.18.
Supporting Virginia’s Public Schools
Beyond making winners like Aldridge incredibly lucky, Virginia Lottery profits contribute directly to K-12 education across the state.
Aldridge’s hometown of Salem received more than $3 million in Virginia Lottery funds for K-12 education last fiscal year. Overall, in Fiscal Year 2024, the Virginia Lottery raised more than $934 million for public schools, accounting for approximately 10 percent of the state’s total K-12 education budget.
Every lottery ticket purchased supports this cause, ensuring that public schools across Virginia benefit from the excitement of the lottery.
A Simple Stop That Changed Everything
For Aldridge, what started as a quick stop for a scratch-off ticket during lunch ended in a life-changing win. While he still might enjoy a quiet break from work, he now has half a million dollars in hand and a story that will never get old.
His win is a reminder that luck can strike at any moment—even in the middle of an ordinary lunch break.
