BONNE TERRE, Mo. — A Bonne Terre, Missouri, man has become the first Missouri Lottery player to win $1 million or more on a scratch-off ticket more than once.
Ernest Pullen, 57, won $1 million on a 100 Million Dollar Blockbuster scratchers ticket in June. He doubled that prize with his most recent win — $2 million on a Mega Monopoly scratchers ticket he purchased on Sept. 17.
Pullen relocated from Pevely to Bonne Terre after his first big win. That left him with a new favorite store where he bought the lucky ticket; Miller's Quick Shop, 1601 St. Francois Road, in Bonne Terre. Pullen said he has now "fulfilled his dream."
"About six years ago, I had a dream that I won a lot of money," recalled Pullen.
Even though he won $1 million earlier this year, Pullen didn't feel like he had completed the dream yet. He does now.
"All the numbers I dreamed about, and all my lucky numbers, were on the card," he explained. "I might buy a Powerball and a Mega Millions, but that's about it."
Pullen opted to take the cash payment, instead of the annuity, for both of his wins. He will receive a payment of $1.3 million before taxes. Plans for the money include fixing up his new house.
"It needs a new seawall on the lake," he said.
Pullen said he considers himself a "lucky guy," and his string of wins validates that assessment. Although he only plays games that offer big prizes, winning two top prizes on a Scratchers game is rare. He doesn't expect it to happen again.
"My wife said she's winning the next time!" exclaimed Pullen.
Mega Monopoly is a $10 game that officially began August 29, 2009. The game features six top prizes of $2 million, of which three remain.
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Congratulations to him but you KNOW he plays the scratchers HEAVY in order to be able to win twice!!!!! You don't just win twice and just play 1-5 tickets a day!!!!! He must get up everyday and play at least 100 tickets!!!!
I play $2 to $4 a week on Powerball and/or Mega Millions.
I can't afford to play enough money on scratch off tickets to win!
Congrats to Mr. Pullen!
Looking for my big win in Powerball or Mega Millioins!
I guess $1 million just isn't enough these days!
It would be enough for me. I would think winning 1 million would be enough to retire on, as long as you are relatively debt free.
Good for him! Wow!
If I won $1 million or $3 million or $500 million I would still play because I like the thrill of playing. If playing the lottery is NOT fun to you... what's the point of even playing??
Players who win more than one jackpot must do something different than the average player because a higher percentage of them win again more often than the average player wins the first time.
I never really liked scratchers though I did win $100 on them once. dude, I'd be happy winning $500 let alone a million once. Guy must know when to play scratchers or he played them quite often.
Reminds me of that chick on the "Lottery chnaged my life" show where she won $1 Million on the same scratcher twice.
There were only 5 top prize million dollar winners. She won 2 of them. I believe from the same store!~
Ask the guy to know for sure.
It takes more than tickets, INTENTION is a factor too.
I work with his sister and you are close in ur accessment of the situation
Dreams are made of such. History does repeat itself, yay!
Yea, another property gets saved by another of Earnest's dream to manifestation wins!
I had a feeling that was the case too, Best Picks, thanks for the info.
I would bet that's the case with the majority of 2nd time winners.