Bonne Terre man becomes instant millionaire twice
A Bonne Terre man has become the first Missouri Lottery player to win $1 million or more on a Scratchers ticket more than once. Ernest Pullen, 57, won $1 million on a "100 Million Dollar Blockbuster" Scratchers ticket in June.
He doubled that prize with his most recent win -- $2 million on a "Mega MONOPOLY™" Scratchers ticket he purchased on Sept. 17.
Pullen relocated from Pevely to Bonne Terre after his first big win.
That left him with a new favorite store where he bought the lucky ticket; Miller's Quick Shop, 1601 St. Francois Road, in Bonne Terre. Pullen said he has now "fulfilled his dream."
"About six years ago, I had a dream that I won a lot of money," recalled Pullen. Even though he won $1 million earlier this year, Pullen didn't feel like he had completed the dream yet. He does now.
"All the numbers I dreamed about, and all my lucky numbers, were on the card," he explained. "I might buy a Powerball and a Mega Millions, but that's about it." Pullen opted to take the cash payment, instead of the annuity, for both of his wins. He will receive a payment of $1.3 million before taxes. Plans for the money include fixing up his new house.
"It needs a new seawall on the lake," he said.
Pullen said he considers himself a "lucky guy," and his string of wins validates that assessment.
Although he only plays games that offer big prizes, winning two top prizes on a Scratchers game is rare. He doesn't expect it to happen again.
"My wife said she's winning the next time!" exclaimed Pullen.
"Mega MONOPOLY™" is a $10 game that officially began August 29, 2009.
The game features six top prizes of $2 million, of which three remain.
Players can track prizes remaining for this and every Missouri Lottery Scratchers game at Molottery.com.