Florida Man Wins $1 Million From $5 Scratch-Off Game

Florida Man first gained notoriety in 2013, when a Twitter account began tweeting bizarre police reports about various crimes. Soon thereafter, it earned its own subreddit devoted to compiling these tales of Florida's stranger-than-fiction crimes.

Florida seems to have a particular affinity for this genre, which may be due to its stringent public records laws that make it easier to track down information about criminals. Some of Florida Man's most iconic stories involve naked people throwing live alligators into Wendy's drive-thru, homeless man wearing a swan statue, and an agile escape artist who managed to slip out of police officers' grasp before performing a cartwheel.

1. Stephen Munoz Espinoza of Delray Beach

A Florida man shared a story that is sure to make you smile: Stephen Munoz Espinoza from Delray Beach won $1 million from a $5 scratch-off game thanks to another person's mistake. At Publix grocery store in Delray Beach, Stephen had stopped to purchase his lottery ticket when another customer cut in front of him at the machine.

After buying his ticket, Espinoza discovered he'd won the $1 million jackpot! According to officials with Florida Lottery, Espinoza found it hard to believe his incredible win but nonetheless decided to accept it.

He then visited the Florida Lottery headquarters in Tallahassee to claim his prize: $820,000 paid as a one-time lump sum. His wife and he plan to use the money for home purchase expenses for their family.

Espinoza purchased his winning ticket from Publix at 555 Northeast 5th Avenue in Delray Beach. According to the Florida Lottery, Publix will receive a bonus commission of $2,000 for selling the winning ticket.

Last February, the $500X The Cash Scratch-Off game launched and offered prizes ranging from $100 to $25 million. Players have an odds of 1 in 4.5 winning any prize at this exciting scratch-off challenge.

Munoz Espinoza arrived at the Lottery office to claim his prize and explained that he was feeling exhausted after working all day, so instead of buying his usual $10 ticket he chose to play the $5 game instead. Following that, he proceeded with testing out the $500X The Cash scratch-off game for $500 cash.

In the game of five numbers from 1 to 50 and a special number from 2 to 20, you select five numbers from 1-50 and add an extra bonus point for every five consecutive numbers you use. Consecutive numbers increase your odds of success greatly and provide for easier calculations when playing.

He stands 61 inches tall and weighs in at 158 pounds. Of Mexican descent, he practices Christianity as a way of life.

He is happily married to Jeannena Flores and they make a wonderful team. She has always supported and encouraged him throughout his career; as a couple they have been happily together since 1985 and cherish their bond even today.

2. William Rundall of Astatula

William Rundall, 69 years old and from Lake County in Florida, has become more than $1 million richer after winning a prize from the Florida Lottery. His $1 million win from 500X THE CASH scratch-off game at Orlando District Office was considered by many players to be "The Holy Grail of Florida scratch-off hysteria."

Win it by playing as many games as possible and picking from a wide variety of scratch-off options, including $5 versions that actually pay out! Winning the lottery may not be easy but it can be done! For more information, visit FloridaLottery.com or call your local office; best times to play are during business hours Monday through Friday. The Florida Lottery is the state's official lottery offering over 100 daily cash and prize games.

3. Darrin Thorpe of Port St. Lucie

According to the Florida Lottery, a 53-year-old Port St. Lucie man is going home with significantly more than he started with when he purchased his winning ticket in the $500X The Cash scratch-off game. Although this win is not unique for Florida men to make headlines due to their lucky scratch-off, Darrin Thorpe chose to claim his prize as an upfront lump sum payment of $820,000 at state Lottery headquarters in Tallahassee; plus, he received an additional bonus of $2,000 from the lottery for selling his lucky scratch-off ticket!

Thorpe and his family can celebrate this wonderful development with joy. Now they can take a much needed vacation without worrying about credit card debt looming over them.

4. Joel Duran of Tampa

On Tuesday, Florida Lottery announced that 20-something Joel Duran of Tampa had become a millionaire overnight after winning $1 million playing a $5 scratch-off game at Radiant Food Shop on West Hillsborough Avenue. According to their press release, he purchased his winning ticket at Radiant Food Shop.

The 25-year-old received his winnings as a lump sum payment of $820,000 from Radiant Food Shop, who will also receive an additional bonus commission of $2,000 for selling the winning ticket, according to the lottery.

After a year of celebration and success, including their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Duran Duran are gearing up for an extensive North American arena tour in 2023 that will take them across 26 cities with longtime collaborators Nile Rodgers & Chic and Bastille joining as special guests. Their latest studio album FUTURE PAST, an impressive genre-spanning collection that once again distinguishes them from their peers, serves as proof of their lasting influence.

On May 28, The band will launch their tour at San Jose's SAP Center before making stops in Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake City, Austin, New Orleans, Dallas, Nashville, Atlanta and Tampa before wrapping up the first leg at Sunrise's Yuengling Center on June 18. Tickets go on sale February 13 for more information.