A Maryland man is celebrating a major lottery win after picking up a Massachusetts scratch-off ticket while visiting family.
Cory Choquette of Mechanicsville was in Massachusetts when he stopped at Valero on North Main Street in Palmer and bought a “100X” instant ticket. That quick purchase turned into a $1 million prize.
Choquette recently claimed the winnings at Massachusetts State Lottery headquarters in Dorchester. Rather than taking the prize through an annuity, he chose the immediate cash option.
Why Did He Get $650,000 Instead of $1 Million?
The advertised $1 million prize is based on the annuity payment option. Winners who choose a lump-sum payment receive the ticket's cash value instead.
For Choquette, that meant a one-time payment of $650,000 before taxes. Federal and state taxes can reduce the amount he ultimately keeps.
The Maryland winner already has plans for his unexpected fortune. He said the money will be used to help secure his children's futures.
His lucky purchase also brought attention to the Palmer store where the winning ticket was sold.
Massachusetts Lottery: Games and Prizes
The Massachusetts State Lottery has operated since 1971, generating revenue that supports local aid for the state's 351 cities and towns.
Players can choose from a variety of games, including instant scratch tickets and online offerings. Scratch tickets range from $1 to $50, with prizes varying by game from thousands of dollars to several million dollars.
Some games also offer lifetime prizes, such as “Cash for Life,” which can provide winners with regular payments for life.
How Are Massachusetts Lottery Winnings Taxed?
Lottery prizes may be subject to both state and federal tax withholding.
- Massachusetts generally withholds 5% from prizes above $600.
- Qualifying lottery winnings of at least $5,000 can be subject to 25% federal withholding.
- The amount withheld when a prize is claimed may not be the winner's final tax bill.
A winner's final tax liability depends on their individual financial and tax situation.
Who Can Play the Massachusetts Lottery Online?
Players must meet certain requirements to use the Massachusetts Lottery's digital services:
- Age: Players must be at least 21 years old.
- Location: Online lottery purchases and account funding require players to be physically located in Massachusetts.
- Social Security number: A valid Social Security number may be required when creating an online account or using certain digital prize-claim and cashing services.
Login