News Release

St. James Man Wins $100,000 Lottery Prize

NOVEMBER 2, 2009 — Curtis Olson of St. James has been an avid Lottery player for years. Last week, his persistence paid off in a big way after he won a $100,000 prize by playing the Strike It Rich! scratch game.

“I just about keeled over,” Olson said upon discovering his win. “It was unreal.” He was unable to share the news with his wife because she was at work so he rushed over to his niece’s house. “I had to tell someone,” he recalled. As soon as his wife got home later that day he handed her the ticket. After looking it over, “She grabbed me and gave me a great big hug.” The two arrived at the Lottery’s headquarters in Roseville on Oct. 30 to claim the prize.

Olson says he plans to pay off his mortgage and buy his wife a new used car with his winnings.

Numart C-Store, located at 620 – 2nd Ave. S. in St. James, sold the winning ticket.

Strike It Rich! is a $5 scratch game that offers a $100,000 top prize. Currently two of four $100,000 prizes remain in the game. Overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 3.65.

Proceeds from the Minnesota State Lottery benefit all Minnesotans. Since 1990, the Lottery has raised more than $1.7 billion for state programs. The General Fund has received over $1 billion to help fund important functions such as education, public safety and health and human services. Another $677 million has funded critical environmental programs.

Lottery players must be 18 years of age or older. Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know needs help with a gambling problem, call (800) 333-HOPE.

This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling (651) 635-8273. TTY users should dial (651) 635-8268 or (800) 657-3833.

Stop back often to read the latest Minnesota State Lottery stories as they happen.