US Man Jokes About Winning Lottery Moments Before Scoring $1 Million Jackpot

A lighthearted joke about winning the lottery turned into a life-changing event for George Hurt, a resident of Roanoke, when he struck it rich in the Virginia Lottery scratcher game. With odds of over one in 600,000, Hurt's winning ticket was sold at the 604 Minute Market on Cloverdale Road, now considered a lucky hotspot by locals.

Store owner Timir Patel shared that Hurt has been playing the lottery for 13 years, and his persistence finally paid off in the form of a $1 million prize, transforming an ordinary lunch break into an unforgettable occasion. Hurt opted for a one-time, lump-sum payment of $571,000 before taxes but did not disclose any immediate plans for his newfound wealth.

The excitement of winning extends beyond the lucky player; the store benefits as well. The Virginia Lottery awards the establishment $10,000 for selling the winning ticket. "I was happy it was a small business like us. $10,000 is a big number; it helps us with a lot of expenses that we have to cover, which is a good feeling. It's an exciting feeling," Patel said.

John Hagerty with the Virginia Lottery noted, "When a store gets a bonus like this, they're part of the community. They typically spend the money in the community; it helps the community, and it's one way the lottery helps not just education but also puts money into localities."

As the community celebrates Hurt's win, the ripple effects of this lucky ticket are sure to be felt throughout Roanoke.