Illinois Man Hits Jackpot Surprise: $50,000 Super Crossword Win on Iowa Lottery Ticket

Rogelio Almanza, a 70-year-old man from Rock Island, Illinois, experienced the shock of a lifetime when he realized he had won more than he initially thought on a $50,000 Super Crossword scratcher from the Iowa Lottery.

Almanza purchased the ticket at a convenience store in Buffalo, Iowa, during a visit to friends. Back home, he scratched it off, guessing it might be a modest prize.

In a moment of delightful revelation, Almanza sought his wife's assistance to confirm his win. He initially believed it to be a $75 or $50 prize. To his surprise, his wife declared, "Ro, you won! $50,000!"

The $50,000 win is the game's top prize, with 25 such prizes available. The odds of hitting the jackpot in the $50,000 Super Crossword are 1 in 120,790. When Almanza checked his ticket at a local store, the clerk's reaction mirrored his astonishment. Almanza intends to share his newfound fortune with his family.