A Massachusetts man has won a $1 million jackpot in the state lottery just months after his wife won her own $1 million prize in a different contest.
Lottery officials say Robert Goodwin, of Randolph, won the money Monday after buying a $5 instant ticket for the $1,000,000 Platinum Payout game. He chose to accept the lump sum prize totaling about $650,000.
Goodwin said he purchased his winning ticket at Fast Lane Convenience in Holbrook. The store will receive a $10,000 bonus for the sale.
Goodwin's wife, Jane, won $1 million in the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes in August. She said she found out as she disembarked from a ferry in Plymouth after a day trip to Provincetown with a friend.
"Just got lucky, just got very lucky," said Jane Goodwin. "We made some gifts, and we paid off all our bills."
The Goodwins are a patient couple. They’ve been sitting on Robert's winning ticket since November, but waited to cash it in just this week.
"Definitely because of tax reasons," said Robert Goodwin.
U.S. & World
The tax burden on $2 million in the same year, is a tough hit to the bottom line. So now, they’re finally celebrating and planning on moving into a new house, being reminded again, life is way too short.
"Which is why we took the lump sum," said Robert Goodwin. "You want a 20-year payment, I’ll be lucky if i make another five."
The Goodwins say they will use their winnings to buy a home in an over-55 community where they won't have to shovel snow.
Lottery officials say four additional $1 million prizes remain in the $1,000,000 Platinum Payout instant game.
