Milwaukie retiree who just won $8.4 million Megabucks jackpot hadn’t checked his ticket for weeks
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – A Milwaukie retiree is the latest winner of Oregon's Game Megabucks, with a winning ticket worth $8.4 million, Oregon Lottery officials said Tuesday.
David Schultze, 68, said he didn’t know he was sitting on millions until he checked his ticket last Friday morning. The winning numbers were drawn back on January 24. He spent the whole weekend in shock and claimed his prize on Monday at Oregon Lottery’s Wilsonville office.
He doesn’t play much, but when he sees the jackpot “getting up there,” he can’t help but buy a ticket – just in case. Schultze purchased the ticket at Safeway in Gladstone. The store earned a $84,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
When asked about his plans for the winnings, Schultze said he will invest most of it. There are no plans for any big splurges.
Oregon’s Game Megabucks has some of the most favorable big prize jackpot game odds in the world, officials said. The jackpot resets to $1 million after someone wins.
The Oregon Lottery recommends that you sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim any prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Players have a year to claim their prize.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $15.5 billion for economic development, public schools, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.
