Florida Woman Strikes it Rich: Wins $1 Million with 50X The Cash Scratch-Off

Luck smiled on Mary Johnetta Mayers Johnson, a Florida resident, who became a millionaire after securing the top prize of $1 million with an instant lottery ticket from the popular game "50X The Cash," offered by the Florida Lottery. According to CBS News Miami, Johnson hit the jackpot when her "Winning Number #1" matched the hidden winning number on her ticket, allowing her to claim the game's highest available prize.

The winning ticket was purchased at a Publix supermarket located on SW 36th Avenue in Pompano Beach, north of Miami, and was claimed on January 10 of this year. Johnson's choice of store not only changed her life but also benefited the retailer, which received a $2,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.

Opting for a lump-sum payment, Johnson received $640,000 after applicable tax adjustments. Her victory marks her as the eighth person to win this prize in the "50X The Cash" game, which offers a variety of combinations and instant rewards. This particular lottery has $5 tickets and boasts a return rate of over $215 million in available prizes.

The Florida Lottery has announced that four top prizes of $1 million are still up for grabs in this edition of the game. The organization promotes these games not only as a chance to win money but also as a means to raise funds for educational programs within the state.

Johnson's story has captured the attention of both local and international media, not just for her stroke of luck but for her strategic choice to receive the full payout immediately, an increasingly popular option among winners for the liquidity it provides. To claim prizes exceeding $600, winners must appear in person at one of the official Florida Lottery offices, as these amounts cannot be claimed at retail locations.

Johnson complied with this requirement and chose to receive her prize as a one-time cash payment, an option valid within 60 days of the draw. However, this choice is irreversible, and the final amount, in this case, $640,000, is calculated after federal tax deductions, in accordance with IRS regulations.

Johnson's good fortune stands in stark contrast to James Farthing, a 50-year-old from Georgetown, Kentucky, who recently made headlines in the United States by winning a record $167.3 million in the Powerball. In a dramatic turn of events, Farthing was arrested in St. Pete Beach, Florida, for assaulting a law enforcement officer during an altercation at a local hotel.

Authorities also reported that Farthing violated his probation, as he had a criminal record in Kentucky, including theft, possession of illegal substances, and involvement in organized criminal activities. The charges against him include assaulting a law enforcement officer, simple battery, and resisting arrest without violence.

As of now, it has not been confirmed if Farthing received his prize money. Local media reported that he had begun the process to claim his prize as a lump sum, which would have netted him around $77 million, but the proceedings might have been halted following his arrest.