Weber City man opts for 30-year payout after winning $1 million in Virginia Lottery Gold Rush game
Weber City, Virginia – A Weber City man struck gold with a $1,000,000 Gold Rush scratcher ticket from the Virginia Lottery, winning the game’s first top prize. Kevin Egan purchased his lucky ticket at Big Break, located at 3100 U.S. Highway 23 North in Weber City, while indulging his habit of trying new lottery games as soon as they are released.
Egan was stunned when he realized his ticket was a winner. “I had to check the ticket several times after I scratched it to make sure I wasn’t dreaming,” he told Virginia Lottery officials. His disbelief quickly turned to excitement after confirming the $1 million top prize.
Saving for the Future
While many winners immediately start planning lavish purchases, Egan said he intends to save his winnings. However, he hinted that a new car might be in his future. The Virginia Lottery gave Egan two payout options: the full $1 million prize in annual payments over 30 years or a one-time cash option of $500,000 before taxes. Egan chose the annuity, ensuring long-term financial security.
In addition to Egan’s prize, the Big Break store that sold the winning ticket will receive a $10,000 bonus from the Virginia Lottery as a reward for its role in the win.
Gold Rush Game Still Packed with Prizes
Egan’s win marks the first of five $1 million top prizes in the $1,000,000 Gold Rush game, leaving four top prizes still unclaimed. The scratcher game, which offers prizes ranging from $75 to $1 million, has overall odds of 1 in 3.55. The odds of hitting the top prize are 1 in 734,400.
Players interested in the $1,000,000 Gold Rush game still have plenty of opportunities to win big, with four top prizes remaining. As for Kevin Egan, his win is a golden example of how a lucky ticket can turn an ordinary day into a life-changing moment.
Lottery Proceeds Support Education
Every ticket sold by the Virginia Lottery supports K-12 education across the state. In Scott County, where Egan resides, more than $6.2 million in Lottery funds went toward public education last fiscal year. Across the Commonwealth, the Virginia Lottery raised over $934 million for K-12 education in Fiscal Year 2024. This funding accounts for approximately 10 percent of Virginia’s total K-12 school budget, helping to support programs and resources for students statewide.
