Three lucky Texans recently became the Lone Star State’s newest millionaires.
The Texas Lottery saw three winners each claim their grand prizes within the span of two days after winning in three separate games. Two of the games were scratch-offs and one was a draw game.
The winners marked the first grand prizes awarded by the Texas Lottery in July.
Lotto Texas jackpot claimed right at deadline
The first and biggest winner from last week hailed from Spring. The resident claimed their $7.75 million estimated annuitized jackpot prize for the Lotto Texas game on July 8, though the drawing was held back on Jan. 9.
In Texas, lottery tickets are valid up to 180 days from the date of the drawing. The ticket was set to expire July 8 at 5 p.m. As such, the winner had just hours to spare when they finally claimed their life-changing prize money.
The winning ticket was bought at a Fuel Zone in Humble. The winner, who chose to remain anonymous, chose to take the cash value option worth $6.19 million.
Two scratch-off grand prizes also claimed
The final two grand prizes claimed in the string of three last week were courtesy of scratch-off games.
A San Antonio resident won $3 million in the 500X Loteria Spectacular game. Purhcased at Pit Stop Food Mart #30 in San Antonio, the ticket was redeemed July 7.
There are still currently three grand prizes remaining in the game, as well as nine prizes of $25,000 and 34 prizes worth $10,000.
The other big scratch-off winner, a resident of Mesquite, claimed their prize of $5 million on July 8. This winning ticket, purchased at Kroger 509 in Dallas, was for the $5 Million Fortune scratch game.
That was the third top prize claimed out of four available. The remaining prize pool still has 11 prizes worth $50,000 and 115 others worth $10,000.
Both winners of the top prizes also elected to remain anonymous.
Still opportunity to win in Texas Lottery
Despite these prizes being dished out quickly, there are still plenty of opportunities for lottery players to win in the future.
In addition to the scratch-off game prizes mentioned above, which represent just two of the 63 scratch-off games available from the lottery, draw games also offer large jackpots.
The biggest prize, via Powerball, has a current estimated annuitized jackpot of $137 million. In addition, Mega Millions boasts a jackpot of $117 million. The drawings for each of these games can be viewed on the Texas Lottery website.
More frequent opportunities may also be on the horizon for Texans, as legislation is currently in the works make quick draw games available in bars throughout the state.
While quick draw games are already available, making them accessible in bars could expand their appeal and availability for many players, making them a more popular option for those looking to get in on the lottery.
Whatever the outcome of the legislation, one thing is for certain: There is still a great deal of money to be had in the lottery.
