Lucky Lottery Player Now a Two-Time Winner After Claiming $1 Million Prize in Virginia

Imagine hitting the jackpot not once, but twice. That's exactly what happened to a Virginia woman, who recently became a two-time lottery winner after clinching a $1 million prize on a scratch-off ticket. This win comes just a few years after she bagged $100,000 playing a different game. Talk about striking gold...twice!

Key Takeaways:

• A Virginia woman won $1 million on a scratch-off ticket, her second major lottery win.
• The winning ticket was bought at a Race Way station in Isle of Wight County.
• She previously won $100,000 in Virginia’s New Year’s Millionaire Raffle in 2021.
• The odds of winning the top prize in Virginia Millions are 1 in 612,000.

A Stroke of Luck at the Race Way Station

On what seemed like any other Friday night, Gayla Guishard decided to test her luck at the Race Way station in Isle of Wight County, roughly 18 miles north of Suffolk. Opting for the Virginia Millions scratch-off game, she couldn't have guessed what was about to unfold. After scratching her ticket, Guishard sought confirmation from the gas station owners, who jubilantly informed her of her $1 million win. "I just kind of screamed! We were all in there screaming!" Guishard recounted to lottery officials.

The commotion drew the curiosity of customers outside, who rushed in to find out what was happening. Guishard and the owners, however, chose to bask in the moment quietly, leaving the onlookers in suspense.

Choosing Her Prize

Faced with a decision, Guishard could opt for the full $1 million before taxes, distributed in annual payments over 30 years, or take a one-time cash option of $571,000 before taxes. Meanwhile, the Race Way station was awarded a $10,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.

A Familiar Feeling

This isn't Guishard's first rodeo; she previously won $100,000 in the Virginia’s New Year’s Millionaire Raffle back in 2021. Her recent win in the Virginia Millions, however, is on a whole other level.

The Odds Were Ever in Her Favor

You might wonder about the odds of winning such a significant amount. The overall odds of winning in the Virginia Millions are 1 in 3.5, with the top prize odds standing at 1 in 612,000. Despite the long odds, Guishard's story is a testament to the unpredictable thrill of lottery games.

Where to Try Your Luck

Interested in trying your luck? Lottery tickets are available at convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In several states, you can even purchase tickets online through apps like Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Jackpocket allows you to select your game, numbers, and manage your tickets right from your phone or computer.

(First reported by: Virginia Lottery)

Gayla Guishard's story is an inspiring reminder of the magic of chance, making us all wonder if lightning can indeed strike twice. Whether you're an avid lottery player or someone who occasionally indulges in a ticket or two, her win is a fascinating tale of luck, excitement, and the dream of hitting it big.