Iowa Lottery

Waterloo Woman's Dream Of Winning Comes True

Amanda Gates Wins Top Prize Playing "Super Crossword" Scratch Game

  Hear Amanda tell her story.

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DES MOINES, Iowa - A Waterloo woman said she was shocked to win a top prize of $50,000 playing the lottery's "Super Crossword" instant-scratch game, because she'd just been talking about what she would do if she won big.

Amanda Gates, 21, said she has been having some fun dreaming about what she would do if she won a big lottery prize.

"It's funny because I play Powerball® too and I've been talking about, 'If I won…'" Gates said.

Gates bought her Super Crossword ticket on a whim and scratched it at Five Corner Liquor & Wine, 809 E. 18th St. in Cedar Falls.

"I didn't know what to think," Gates said. "It was kind of unbelievable; you're kind of in shock."

Gates told her boyfriend about her big win first.

"He's happy. He's kind of in shock too," she said.

Gates said she plans to use some of her winnings to purchase a newer vehicle, as well as donate to charity. She claimed her prize April 4 at the Iowa Lottery's regional office in Cedar Rapids.