Turning Lucky Lemons into Lemonade

Patrick Johnson
Community & Corporate Engagement
971-600-6059
Patrick.johnson@lottery.oregon.gov

The boredom of being cooped up in her Medford home during the recent stay-at-home guidelines, turned into an excellent week after Maria Salas visited her local Minute Mart.

And thanks to that visit, Salas’ boredom soon became excitement as she came home with a Scratch-it worth $50,000.

“We normally play Video Lottery, and when we went to the market we saw the Scratch-its and decided to play,” she said. “The first ticket we played was the winner. I was in shock – I am still in shock.”

Instead of coming home with snacks, Salas Laris said she came home with the down payment for some property.

“I haven’t been able to sleep, I’m so excited,” she said.  “I have a down payment now, it’s great.”

Salas Laris turned the $5 Lucky Lemons Scratch-it she purchased at the Minute Mart in Medford, into $50,000, that’s a lot of lemonade! She then contacted the Oregon Lottery to claim her prize.

To protect the health and safety of its employees and the public, the Oregon Lottery has temporarily closed the Salem and Wilsonville Lottery offices. Officials with the Lottery continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely. If players have a winning ticket, they can fill out a claim form on the Oregon Lottery website and then mail in the signed ticket and claim form.

Players who have winning tickets of $50,000 or more, will need to make an appointment to come to the Oregon Lottery office in Salem. Call 503-540-1000 for assistance. As always, players should be certain to sign the back of their tickets.

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