Worcester resident Aramis Arias has turned a routine scratch ticket into a serious payday, winning a $1 million prize on a Massachusetts State Lottery ticket, according to lottery officials. He chose the lump-sum cash option and collected a one-time payment of $650,000 before taxes.
According to Boston 25 News, Arias scored his win on the $10 $2,000,000 Diamond Cashword instant game. The winning ticket was purchased at Edgemere Mini Mart at 734 Grafton St. in Worcester, turning the neighborhood convenience store into an instant hot spot for lottery daydreamers.
Where the Ticket Was Sold
Patch reported that the winning ticket was sold on Tuesday, April 21. For selling the $1 million winner, Edgemere Mini Mart will receive a $10,000 retailer bonus, a perk that lottery officials confirmed in the local coverage.
Taxes and the Cash Option
The big check comes with a reality check: taxes. The Commonwealth withholds 5% on lottery prizes of $600 or more, according to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. On top of that, the Lottery withholds 24% in federal tax on prizes above $5,000, per the Massachusetts State Lottery. Those withholdings are just the starting point, and winners may still owe more when they file their tax returns.
What the Winner Plans
Arias told lottery officials he plans to put his winnings toward buying a house, Boston 25 News reported. He opted for the one-time $650,000 payout before taxes, while the retailer that sold him the lucky Diamond Cashword ticket will collect its own $10,000 bonus from the Lottery for making the winning sale.
