Kentucky man wins $50,000 scratch-off prize thanks to missing ingredient

DIXON, Ky. – A Kentucky man is celebrating a $50,000 scratch-off win thanks to a missing dessert ingredient.

The Kentucky Lottery says Larry Duncan of Dixon, Kentucky said he doesn’t normally play the lottery but decided to take a chance on a $50 Millionaire Club Scratch-off, the newest $50 Kentucky Lottery ticket.

Duncan told lottery officials his mother had just passed away a week prior. Duncan had family in town for the service and decided to stop at the Dixon Marathon to purchase a few tickets, officials say.

“I don’t want to sound crazy, but I was saying, ‘Mama, you’re going to lead me to a winner,’” Duncan said.

At first, Duncan only won $55. However, the next day, he realized he needed an important ingredient for a special pecan dessert dip and returned to the Dixon Marathon.

“I thought, we need some graham crackers,” Duncan said. “I’m going to run up there and get a ticket, too! I was still talking to my mama, and I said, ‘Mama, help me out.’”

To his surprise, officials say Duncan found the ticket he had been looking for. Duncan was shocked while scratching off the ticket to reveal the $50,000 top prize.

Duncan said once he was back home, he handed a bag of graham crackers and the winning ticket to his sister in-law. A known prankster, Duncan said his family and wife, Yolanda, couldn’t believe the big win.

That night, the couple drove to Louisville and claimed their winnings at Lottery HQ the next morning.

As for the winnings, Duncan said he plans to buy a 2024 Camaro.

“My intention was to buy one with or without, but this makes it a lot easier,” Duncan said.

Larry and his wife walked away with a check for $35,750.

Dixon Marathon will receive $500 for selling the winning ticket.