Iowa Lottery

Marion Woman Expects $3,000 Prize, Wins $30,000 Prize Instead

Gail Parker Wins Top Prize Playing the "Crossword" Scratch Game

  Hear Gail tell her story.

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DES MOINES, Iowa - A Marion woman said when she went to her local retailer to have her "Crossword" scratch ticket validated, she was expecting to see a $3,000 prize, but it turned out to be a top prize of $30,000.

Gail Parker, 47, said she was shocked when she heard her actual prize amount.

"I thought I only won 3,000. I took it back to the gas station I bought it from and that's when I found out I won $30,000," Parker said.

Parker's husband, Don, was out of town when she claimed her prize July 2 at the Iowa Lottery's regional office in Cedar Rapids, but she had a good idea of how he would react.

"I've got a call in to him. What he'll say is not appropriate," Parker said with a laugh.

Parker, who works in customer service for Nordstrom, said Crossword is one of her favorite lottery scratch games. She's looking forward to spending her winnings on some necessities.

"I'm going to pay my bills and get my central air fixed," Parker said.

Parker purchased her winning ticket at Murphy USA, 5497 Business Highway 151 in Marion.

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