A simple gift from her father transformed into a life-changing windfall for Vanesa Menjivar Acosta of Norcross, Georgia, who claimed a $2 million prize from a Massachusetts Lottery scratch-off ticket this week. The 25-year-old became the first major winner in the Massachusetts State Lottery’s new “$25,000,000 Mega Money” game, which launched just three weeks ago.
Acosta’s father purchased the $50 ticket as a gift from East Boston Corner Market on London Street, never imagining it would dramatically alter his daughter’s future plans, according to 11Alive News.
Top Lists & Life Hacks You’ll Wish You Saw Sooner
- The Rise of Meme Coins: How Internet Humor is Moving Markets
- 15 Celebs Running Billion-Dollar Empires (You’d Never Guess Who)
- The Richest Kardashian in 2025? See Who Tops the List
- 25 Easy Side Hustles You Can Start This Week—and Actually Profit
A Trip to Massachusetts for Millions
Acosta faced an unusual situation for a Georgia resident—she had to travel to Dorchester, Massachusetts, to claim her prize at the state lottery headquarters. The young winner chose the lump sum payment option, receiving approximately $1.3 million before taxes rather than annual installments.
The winning ticket came from the Massachusetts Lottery’s most expensive scratch-off game, featuring three top prizes of $25 million each, all of which remain unclaimed. Acosta secured the first of four available $2 million second-tier prizes, while all twelve $1 million third-tier prizes also await discovery.
Dreams Made Possible
For Acosta, the unexpected windfall opens doors that seemed distant just days ago. She told lottery officials she plans to use her winnings responsibly, focusing on two major life goals: purchasing a house and paying for college education. The practical approach reflects a mature perspective on sudden wealth that financial advisors often recommend for lottery winners…