Forgotten Oregon Lottery Keno Ticket Worth Over $71,000

Grayson Boyte of Maupin, purchased a Keno 8-spot ticket during dinner and a drink at the Rainbow Tavern. When he left, little did he know that the ticket he left sitting on the bar was worth over $71,000. Not only did he leave his winning ticket behind, he hadn’t signed the back of the ticket either – meaning anyone could have claimed the jackpot.

“I got all the way out to my truck when it hit me, I didn’t pick up my ticket,” he said. “I went back inside and scanned it, and they told me they didn’t know how much it was, but that it was more than $600.”

The next day Boyte, who is in construction, was joking with his employees about how much the ticket was worth, betting lunch on how much the ticket was.

“All the bets were less than $5,000,” he said. “When I found out it was a ticket worth $71,000? I was saying HOLY COW!”

Boyte plans to purchase a new trailer for his construction business with the $71,826 win – and buy his crew lunch.

“I owe the bartender who didn’t throw my ticket away or claim it,” he said. “That was great customer service.”

During the 2019 fiscal year, more than $5.2 million in Oregon Lottery proceeds were directed to economic development, parks, education, Outdoor School, Veterans services and watershed enhancement in Wasco County, where Boyte lives and purchased his winning ticket. Since 1985, Oregon Lottery players have won more than $38 billion in prizes.

The Oregon Lottery reminds players to always sign the back of their Lottery tickets, regardless of the game. In the event of winning a jackpot, they should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Prize winners of more than $50,000 are advised to contact the Lottery office and schedule an appointment to claim their prize.