Alabama man wins $1 million on scratch-off lottery ticket in Mississippi
Quick Facts
| Prize Won | $1,000,000 |
| Location | Alabama, Alabama |
An Alabama man claimed a $1,000,000 prize after purchasing a winning scratch-off lottery ticket in Mississippi, adding a cross-state twist to an already remarkable win.
The winner, whose name has not been publicly released, purchased the winning ticket in Mississippi but resides in Alabama — a detail that affects both where the prize is claimed and how it is taxed. The Mississippi Lottery confirmed the seven-figure win, which represents one of the larger scratch-off payouts reported in the region this year. Full details surrounding the purchase location, ticket price, and game name were not disclosed in official communications.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Prize Amount | $1,000,000 |
| Winner’s Home State | Alabama |
| Ticket Purchased In | Mississippi |
| Game Type | Scratch-off lottery ticket |
The Win
The Alabama resident crossed state lines — whether intentionally or incidentally — and walked away with a $1 million scratch-off prize. Because the ticket was purchased and the prize claimed in Mississippi, the Mississippi Lottery governed the claims process. Mississippi requires winners of prizes over $600 to claim in person at a Mississippi Lottery office. The winner’s identity was not released, which is consistent with Mississippi’s winner privacy practices.
No information was made available regarding whether the winner elected a lump-sum payment or an annuity option, though Mississippi scratch-off prizes at the $1 million level are typically paid as a one-time lump sum. Federal income tax withholding of 24% applies automatically to prizes of this size, and the winner — as an Alabama resident — would also be subject to Alabama state income tax on the winnings, currently assessed at a top marginal rate of 5%. Mississippi does not impose a state income tax on lottery winnings for non-residents in the same way, but players should consult a tax professional for their specific situation.
Current Game Status
The specific scratch-off game involved in this win has not been publicly identified. Because the ticket was purchased in Mississippi rather than Alabama, Scratchers Paradise’s Alabama game database does not contain live data directly tied to this prize. Players in Alabama looking for current scratch-off opportunities can visit the Alabama scratch-off hub on Scratchers Paradise for up-to-date game data, including remaining top prizes and odds across all active games.
What This Win Means for Players
Cross-state scratch-off wins are more common than many players realize. Residents of states bordering Mississippi — including Alabama, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Arkansas — frequently purchase tickets while traveling or working across state lines. This win is a reminder that scratch-off prizes are redeemable based on where the ticket was purchased, not where the buyer lives. That distinction matters for taxes, claims deadlines, and prize structure.
From a pure odds standpoint, this win does not change the prize pool for Alabama-sold games, since the ticket originated in Mississippi. However, it does highlight the value of tracking remaining top prizes before purchasing any scratch-off ticket. Every time a top prize is claimed, the expected value of remaining tickets in that game decreases — sometimes significantly.
Pro tip: Before buying scratch-offs in any state, check the Alabama rankings on Scratchers Paradise to compare games by remaining top prizes, overall odds, and expected value. The same approach applies when buying tickets in neighboring states — always verify which top prizes are still in play.
How to Claim
Because this ticket was purchased in Mississippi, the Alabama winner was required to follow Mississippi’s claims process. For reference, here is how Mississippi Lottery prize claims work for large wins:
- Prizes over $600 must be claimed in person at a Mississippi Lottery regional office or at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters in Flowood, MS.
- Valid government-issued photo ID and the original winning ticket are required at the time of claim.
- Federal tax withholding of 24% is applied automatically to prizes of $5,000 or more after the annuity factor is considered; for $1 million scratch-off prizes, withholding applies at claim.
- Claim deadlines in Mississippi are typically 180 days from the ticket’s purchase date — winners should verify the exact deadline printed on their ticket or posted on the Mississippi Lottery’s official website.
Alabama residents who purchase winning scratch-off tickets in other states should always follow the claiming rules of the state where the ticket was bought, not Alabama’s procedures. For Alabama-purchased tickets, claim deadlines and procedures vary — check the official Alabama Education Lottery website for current guidance.
Play Responsibly
Scratch-off lottery tickets are a form of gambling, and the vast majority of tickets do not return a profit. If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, free and confidential help is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.
Sources
- AL.com — “Alabama man wins $1 million on scratch-off lottery ticket in Mississippi”: View Article
- Mississippi Lottery — Official claims information: mslottery.com
- Scratchers Paradise — Alabama Scratch-Off Data: scratchersparadise.com/alabama
Related
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information from official state lottery sources and news reports. ScratchersParadise is not affiliated with any state lottery commission. Lottery games are games of chance. Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
