In a stunning turn of events, Carly Cooper, a 29-year-old resident of Ft. Myers, claimed a colossal $1 million prize from the Florida Lottery’s ‘1,000,000 A YEAR FOR LIFE SPECTACULAR’ Scratch-Off game. This win symbolizes not just a personal triumph but also highlights the significant impact of scratch-off games in funding educational initiatives.
A Life-Changing Scratch-Off Win
Carly Cooper’s journey to fortune began with the purchase of her winning ticket at a local 7-Eleven in Ft. Myers. Opting for a one-time, lump-sum payment, Cooper received $640,000, marking a momentous change in her life.
A Boost for Education
The success of scratch-off games like the one Cooper played is pivotal to the Florida Lottery’s contributions to the state’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF). In the fiscal year 2022-2023 alone, scratch-offs, which make up about 72% of total ticket sales, have generated significant funds for education. With over $59.5 billion in prizes awarded and creating nearly 2,000 millionaires since their inception, scratch-off games have become a cornerstone of the Lottery’s mission to support educational programs in Florida.