Stafford Woman Wins $1M Prize From Virginia Lottery

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — A Stafford woman won a $1 million prize from the Virginia Lottery earlier this month. Marie Edwards scratched off the lucky ticket in the $1 Million Spectacular game.

Edwards claimed her oversized check this month. She told lottery officials that she purchased the winning ticket at a CVS on McWhirt Loop in Stafford County. She was at the store to pick up a prescription.

Edwards didn't scratch the ticket until the next day. "It feels fantastic and unbelievable," Edwards told lottery officials.

Edwards had the option to take the $1 million payout over the course of 30 years or a one-time cash payment of $571,000 before taxes. She chose the cash option.

"It’s something you always hope will happen, but you don’t really think will happen,” Edwards said.

The odds of winning the top prize in the $1 Million Spectacular game are 1 in 1,224,000. The odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.93.

In Virginia, proceeds from the lottery support education initiatives. Last fiscal year, Stafford County schools received $16.2 million in funds from the Virginia Lottery.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, the Virginia Council on Problem Gaming provides resources to help. Their hotline can be reached at 1-888-532-3500.