Panama City Man Wins $1 Million on Gold Rush Multiplier Scratch-Off at Lynn Haven Walmart
Quick Facts
| Prize Won | $1,000,000 |
| Location | Panama City, Florida |
| Store | Walmart, Lynn Haven |
A Panama City, Florida man has claimed a $1,000,000 top prize after scratching a $50 lottery ticket purchased at a Lynn Haven Walmart, becoming one of Florida’s latest seven-figure scratch-off winners.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Winner | Garey Payne |
| Age | 50 |
| Hometown | Panama City, Florida |
| Prize Amount | $1,000,000 |
| Game | $25,000,000 Gold Rush Multiplier |
| Ticket Price | $50 |
| Purchase Location | Walmart, 2101 S Highway 77, Lynn Haven, FL |
| Claimed At | Florida Lottery Headquarters, Tallahassee |
| Overall Odds (Any Prize) | 1 in 4.09 |
The Win
Garey Payne, 50, of Panama City, Florida, turned a $50 scratch-off ticket into a $1,000,000 prize after purchasing a $25,000,000 Gold Rush Multiplier ticket at the Walmart located at 2101 S Highway 77 in Lynn Haven, Florida. Payne subsequently traveled to Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee to officially claim his prize.
The $25,000,000 Gold Rush Multiplier is one of Florida’s premium $50 scratch-off offerings. At that price point, the game carries enhanced prize structures and higher top-tier payouts compared to lower-denomination tickets. Payne’s win represents the ticket’s top prize level, making it a maximum-value outcome on a single scratch.
Because Florida does not permit lottery winner anonymity, Garey Payne’s name and city of residence are part of the public record. His claim was processed through the Florida Lottery’s Tallahassee headquarters, which handles all major prize claims in the state.
Current Game Status
The $25,000,000 Gold Rush Multiplier remains an active scratch-off game within the Florida Lottery’s current portfolio. Florida currently offers 64 active scratch-off games at various price points. Players considering this game should note that with each top prize claimed, the number of remaining top prizes in the print run decreases.
The overall odds of winning any prize on this game stand at 1 in 4.09, which is a competitive return rate for scratch-off games at this price tier. However, odds of winning the $1,000,000 top prize specifically are significantly longer, and players should always review the current prize structure on the Florida Lottery’s official website before purchasing.
What This Means for Players
Payne’s win is a reminder that Florida’s premium-priced scratch-off tickets can deliver life-changing payouts, but informed play always starts with knowing the current game odds and remaining prize counts.
Pro Tip: Before buying any Florida scratch-off ticket, check the remaining top prizes available in each game. Florida updates its prize data regularly, allowing players to avoid games where top prizes have already been claimed. For a full breakdown of active Florida scratch-off games, remaining prizes, and odds, visit ScratchersParadise.com’s Florida Scratch-Off Guide.
Florida’s lack of a state income tax is also a meaningful advantage for winners like Garey Payne. While federal income tax obligations still apply to lottery winnings, the absence of a state-level income tax means Florida winners retain more of their prize compared to winners in many other states.
How to Claim
Florida lottery winners face one of the strictest claim deadlines in the country. Florida enforces a 60-day claim window from the date of the drawing or, for scratch-off tickets, from the announced end-of-game date. This is the shortest claim deadline in the nation, and missing it means forfeiting the prize entirely.
Prizes of $600 or more must be claimed in person at a Florida Lottery district office or at the Tallahassee headquarters, as Payne did. Winners should sign the back of their ticket immediately, keep it in a secure location, and contact the Florida Lottery promptly to schedule a claim appointment. Required documentation typically includes a valid government-issued photo ID and proof of Social Security number.
Florida law requires that winner names and cities of residence be disclosed as public record. There is no legal mechanism available for Florida winners to remain anonymous, regardless of prize amount.
Play Responsibly
Scratch-off tickets are a form of gambling. While wins like Garey Payne’s $1,000,000 prize are possible, they are not typical outcomes. Players should only spend what they can afford to lose and should never chase losses. If gambling is becoming a problem, contact the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling’s helpline at 1-888-ADMIT-IT (1-888-236-4848), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Sources
Details regarding Garey Payne’s winning claim were sourced from public Florida Lottery records and regional news coverage. For additional reporting on this story, see CBS12.com.
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.
