Nubia Fagot, a 62-year-old resident of Hialeah, achieved millionaire status after clinching the top prize of five million dollars in the $5,000,000 Crossword Cash scratch-off game, as announced by the Florida Lottery. The lucky ticket was purchased at a Shell gas station located near Northwest 87th Avenue, north of Highway 836 in Doral. Although it was her husband who bought the $20 ticket, he gifted it to Nubia, who soon after received confirmation of her grand prize win. The couple chose to take the lump sum payment, amounting to $3,262,138 after taxes.
The win was made official at the Florida Lottery district office in Miami, where Nubia claimed her prize. The retailer that sold the winning ticket also earned a $10,000 commission. Following this unexpected windfall, the couple's lifestyle has transformed significantly: they've moved to a new home, purchased several cars, assisted their daughter with an apartment, and even provided financial help to a neighbor, according to reports from local media outlets like Telemundo 51 and NBC Miami.
Despite their newfound wealth, residents of their old Hialeah neighborhood report that they still spot the couple in the area. "They stayed in Hialeah. I run into them at the corner store buying more scratch-offs," mentioned a local resident.
The Crossword Cash game, launched by the Florida Lottery, offers instant prizes up to five million dollars and is part of a series of tickets that accounted for 74% of the organization's sales in the fiscal year 2023-2024. Since their inception, scratch-off games have generated over $65.5 billion in prizes and contributed more than $19.8 billion to the state's Educational Enhancement Trust Fund.
Understanding Florida Lottery Scratch-Offs
How are the taxes applied to lottery winnings in Florida?
Lottery winnings in Florida are subject to federal taxes, as there is no state income tax. Winners can choose between an annuity or a lump sum payment, with the latter typically resulting in a reduced amount after taxes.
What are the odds of winning the top prize in Florida Lottery scratch-offs?
The odds of winning the top prize in Florida Lottery scratch-off games vary depending on the specific game. Generally, these odds are printed on the back of each ticket and can be checked online on the Florida Lottery website.