Veteran wins $1 million Mega Millions prize

A Tualatin Air Force veteran had the shock of his life when he realized he won $1 million playing Mega Millions.

James Robbins of Tualatin purchased his $2 Mega Millions ticket at his local Fred Meyer, with one set of numbers, for the Feb. 21 drawing. A few days later he took the ticket to the customer service desk, where the clerk told him he’d have to claim his prize at an Oregon Lottery payment center because he’d won more than $600. Last Friday, he visited the Oregon Lottery’s Wilsonville Payment Center, where he learned he had matched 5 numbers but missed the Mega Ball – meaning he won $1 million.

“I was so shocked I started shaking and the staff asked me if I wanted some water,” he said. “They also had me sign the back of the ticket and told me that I had to go to Salem to get the prize. I kept saying ‘Are you serious?’”

Since Robbins was so excited, he opted to get a friend to drive him to Oregon Lottery headquarters where he claimed his prize this week. Oregon Lottery’s Wilsonville Payment Center can only pay out prizes up to $50,000.

“I plan on helping my daughter out with the prize, otherwise I am going to be saving it,” he said.

This is the second large prize Fred Meyer has been responsible for this year, and officials said they think 2020 is off to a great start.

“Fred Meyer is proud to offer Oregon Lottery at our stores. We are excited to have sold a $1 million winning Mega Millions ticket at our Tualatin store,” said Jeffery Temple, Director of Corporate Affairs. “This is the second large prize we have sold this year. So far, 2020 is a good year to purchase Lottery tickets at Fred Meyer!”

During the 2019 fiscal year, more than $45.1 million in Oregon Lottery proceeds were directed to economic development, parks, education, Outdoor School, Veterans services and watershed enhancement in Washington County, where Robbins 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.

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $12 billion for economic development, public education, Outdoor School, state parks, Veterans services and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org