One Miami man just turned a routine grocery run into a seven-figure payday, after claiming a $1 million Florida Lottery prize from a scratch-off he says he bought at the Publix on Village Boulevard in West Palm Beach.
Pierre Khawly claimed the big win on Tuesday, bringing his 500X THE CASH ticket to Florida Lottery officials to complete the process, according to The Palm Beach Post. Khawly chose the single-payment cash option, which cuts the advertised $1 million prize to roughly $640,000 before federal taxes. The Publix that sold the ticket will receive the retailer bonus that the Lottery pays out when a major prize hits.
About the 500X THE CASH scratch-off
The 500X THE CASH game is a $50 scratch-off that launched in January 2024 and comes with a top prize of $25 million. It has overall odds of about 1-in-4.23, according to game tracker ScratchSmarter. Since its debut, the ticket family has produced dozens of seven-figure claims across Florida and remains one of the state lottery’s most visible instant-win offerings.
What winners should know
Under Florida law, winners of prizes worth $250,000 or more can keep their names confidential for 90 days after filing a claim. After that window closes, basic winner information becomes public, as outlined in the Florida Statutes.
According to the Florida Lottery’s winner guide, the agency withholds federal taxes at the time of payout, including 24% for U.S. citizens and resident aliens on prizes above $5,000. The Lottery also enforces strict deadlines and documentation requirements for large claims, and advises players to sign and secure their tickets immediately after purchase.
The Publix on Village Boulevard will collect a $2,000 commission for selling the winning ticket, the Palm Beach Post reports. Lottery officials and financial professionals routinely urge big winners to speak with tax and legal advisers before deciding how to receive and manage a windfall.
