In what can only be described as a family’s lucky draw, a Rhode Island man’s casual breakfast with his father led to a surprising turn of events, landing him a fortune worth millions. Steven Richard from Barrington, a quaint town roughly 10 miles from Providence, struck gold—or rather, cash—when he scratched off a lottery ticket given to him by his father. Unbeknownst to him at the time, it would result in a life-changing win in the Massachusetts Lottery’s $4,000,000 Bonus Bucks game.
A press release from the lottery officials highlighted Richard’s extraordinary luck. The dining table handout from his father, a seemingly routine gesture, was anything but ordinary. Richard recalled how his father regularly bestowed scratch-off tickets, making it an insignificant moment until the ticket revealed itself to be worth $4 million, the top prize of the game. Stunned by the revelation, Richard found it hard to believe his eyes. In pursuit of validation, he scanned the ticket using the Massachusetts Lottery App and his disbelief turned into euphoria—the digital confirmation was irrefutable.
Richard wasted no time in sharing the incredible news, first with his wife and then with the man behind the windfall, his father. The ticket that would forever alter the course of his life was purchased at the Star Country Store & Deli located in Westport. The store was also a beneficiary of this good fortune, pocketing a handsome $40,000 for selling the lucky ticket.
In a decision that would solidify his newfound millionaire status, Richard opted for the one-time cash payment, which resulted in a whopping $2.6 million in his pocket before taxes—a more than comfortable sum to catapult one into a life of financial ease. With this hefty sum in hand, Richard expressed his intent to travel with his wife, a dream that many harbor but few can realize with such spontaneity and freedom.
The win has undoubtedly caught the attention of many, bringing to light the overwhelming odds that Richard overcame. The chance of winning the top prize in the Bonus Bucks game is a staggering 1 in 5,376,000, according to the Massachusetts Lottery. Even so, the overall odds of winning any prize in the game are considerably better, standing at 1 in 3.47.
For those feeling inspired by Richard’s stroke of luck, scratch-off tickets are readily available at convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores across the state. Additionally, in select states, lottery enthusiasts can purchase tickets online via Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier for the USA TODAY Network. Available in various jurisdictions, including Arizona, New Hampshire, New York, Texas, and West Virginia, among others, Jackpocket allows users to select lottery games and numbers, place orders, and view tickets all from the comfort of their smartphones or computers.
As with all gambling endeavors, it’s essential for players to approach lottery games with caution and awareness of the potential risks. Resources for gambling addiction are widely available, and support lines such as 1-877-8-HOPE-NY and 1-800-GAMBLER offer assistance to those in need.
In the end, the story of Steven Richard is one of chance and cheer, a reminder of the unpredictable nature of fortune and the joy it can bring. As he now plans to chart out his travels and bask in the pleasant aftermath of a casual but life-altering breakfast with his father, a simple act of giving has proven to be the gateway to a world of possibilities.
