Duval County woman takes home a $5 million prize after winning the $5,000,000 crossword cash scratch-off game
Jacksonville, Florida – A Duval County woman is celebrating an incredible windfall after winning one of the top prizes in the Florida Lottery’s $5,000,000 Crossword Cash Scratch-Off game.
Lucinda Joseph-Rann, 54, of Jacksonville, claimed the $5 million top prize at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. She opted to take her winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $3,262,138.00, according to officials with the Lottery.
The lucky ticket was purchased at a Gate Petroleum Company convenience store, located at 60 Airport Center Drive in Jacksonville. In recognition of selling the winning ticket, the retailer received a $10,000 bonus commission from the Florida Lottery.
The $5,000,000 Crossword Cash game, which costs $20 per ticket, is a word-themed scratch-off game offering significant prizes. According to the Florida Lottery, the game includes over $239.6 million in total cash prizes and features four top prizes of $5 million. The overall odds of winning any prize in the game are approximately 1-in-2.9, making it one of the more appealing choices for scratch-off enthusiasts.
Scratch-off games continue to be a major part of the Florida Lottery’s offerings, making up about 74 percent of all ticket sales during the 2023–2024 fiscal year. These games are not only popular among players but also play a key role in funding education across the state. Since their introduction, Florida’s scratch-off games have awarded more than $65.5 billion in prizes, created 2,283 millionaires, and generated more than $19.8 billion for the state’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund.
The Florida Lottery has emphasized the ongoing importance of these games in helping fund programs that benefit students and schools throughout Florida. Every ticket sold contributes in part to educational funding, making even a simple scratch-off game a small act of public support for schools.
As for Joseph-Rann, she now joins an elite group of lucky Floridians who’ve had their lives changed by a scratch-off ticket. Whether it was a routine stop at a gas station or a spontaneous decision to play, her good fortune now stands as a reminder that life-changing moments can come from the most unexpected places.
While Joseph-Rann did not publicly comment on her plans for the winnings, her story is sure to inspire other hopeful players across the state. With several top prizes still available in the $5,000,000 Crossword Cash game, the Florida Lottery encourages those who enjoy the game to keep playing — responsibly.
For more information on current games, odds, and where to purchase tickets, players can visit the Florida Lottery’s official website.
