DES MOINES, Iowa – An Iowa couple is celebrating a major lottery win after scoring a $250,000 top prize from a new scratch-off game.
Eric Guetter, 50, and his wife Deanne, from the small town of Worthington, IA, uncovered their windfall after purchasing tickets for the Iowa Lottery’s new ‘Lucky 7 Bonus’ instant scratch game last week. The Guetters claimed the game’s fourth top prize at lottery headquarters earlier this week.
New Scratch Game Launched in February
The Lucky 7 Bonus scratch game was launched by the Iowa Lottery on February 1st of this year. The $20 scratch ticket features a retro 7s theme and offers players the chance to win 20 top prizes of $250,000, as well as 76 prizes of $10,000.
According to Iowa Lottery spokesperson Mary Neubauer, “Lucky 7 Bonus has been popular with players since its launch. It offers great prizes, fun gameplay with the 7s theme, and overall odds of winning any prize of 1 in 2.88.”
The game’s $250,000 top prize is the Iowa Lottery’s largest prize offered for a $20 scratch ticket.
Winning Ticket Purchased at Local Gas Station
The Guetters’ lucky winning ticket was purchased at the Morning Star Station in Worthington along with a handful of other scratch tickets. After scratching the tickets at home, Eric Guetter uncovered a winning ‘7’ symbol.
“At first I thought it was a $25 winner,” said Guetter. “But when I got out the magnifying glass to double-check, I saw it was actually $250,000! I was in disbelief and had to get my wife to confirm it.”
Lucky Couple Claims Prize
The Worthington couple claimed their $250,000 prize at Iowa Lottery headquarters in Clive on Monday, October 30th. They were presented with a large ceremonial check to commemorate the life-changing win.
“You play for fun not expecting to ever win big,” said Eric Guetter. “But when it actually happens, I was just in shock. It’s an incredible feeling.”
Guetter says he plans to pay off his mortgage with the windfall. “This takes a huge weight off our shoulders,” he said. “We can pay off the house and not have to worry anymore.”
The Guetters chose to take their prize as a lump sum. After taxes, the couple will take home around $176,000.
Odds of Top Prize Win
According to Neubauer, the odds of winning Lucky 7 Bonus’ $250,000 top prize are around 1 in 118,000. There are still 16 unclaimed top prizes remaining in the game as of November 2nd, 2023.
Since its February launch, three other players have claimed the game’s top prize. A Cedar Rapids woman won $250,000 in April, while top prizes were also won in Sioux City in June and Dubuque in September.
Where to Play
The Lucky 7 Bonus game can be purchased at any Iowa Lottery retailer around the state. Tickets are $20 each.
“This is our biggest scratch prize right now, so if you’re looking for a chance at a big win, I’d encourage you to check out Lucky 7 Bonus,” said Neubauer.
The Iowa Lottery reminds players that it only takes one ticket to win. Eric and Deanne Guetter’s big win is proof that massive jackpots can drop anytime, anywhere in the Hawkeye State.