BRAINTREE, Mass. (WPRI) — A Massachusetts man is $1 million richer thanks to a crammed coin jar, a new game from the Massachusetts State Lottery and a little bit of luck, of course.
Gary Proulx of Billerica wanted to cash in the coins that had been accumulating in his jar and decided to purchase a “$10,000,000 Big Money” instant ticket, which started going on sale last Tuesday.
His initial plan was to buy two $10 tickets, but called a last-minute audible and went with the $20 option, according to lottery officials.
Turns out it was the right call, as he walked away with the game’s first $1 million prize.
Proulx elected to receive his prize in annual payments of $50,000 over 20 years. He said he plans to save his winnings for future travel and retirement.
Proulx bought the ticket at the Stop & Shop on Massachusetts Avenue in Arlington, which will receive a $10,000 bonus for the sale.
“$10,000,000 Big Money” offers more than $400 million in cash prizes, with four $10 million prizes and fourteen $1 million prizes remaining.
