Iowa Lottery

Waterloo Man Anticipates Big Win

Scott Penne Wins Top Prize of $30,000 Playing "Crossword" Scratch Game

  Hear Scott tell his story.

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DES MOINES, Iowa - A Waterloo man said he knew he had won something big when he realized he still had a lot of letters to uncover on his "Crossword" instant-scratch ticket.

Scott Penne, 52, said he can usually tell at first glance whether or not his ticket will be a winner - this time, he won a top prize of $30,000.

"I just went, 'Oh my goodness.' The next thing you know I started counting up the words and it was $30,000," Penne said. "I checked it four times."

Penne shared the news with his girlfriend, Linda, first.

"She didn't believe it," Penne said with a laugh as he claimed his prize March 15 at the Iowa Lottery's regional office in Cedar Rapids.

Penne purchased his winning ticket at New Star Mart, 1459 Ansborough Ave. in Waterloo. He said he plans to use some of his winnings to pay bills.

"It'll take a weight off my shoulders," he said.