It looks like another lucky resident in the Bay State is kicking off the new year with a life-changing amount of cash. The Massachusetts State Lottery has announced a new $2 million grand prize winner, and the winning scratch ticket was sold right in Worcester County.
The ticket, which carried the massive seven-figure jackpot, was purchased at **Mahant Turnout Variety**, located at 636 Main Street in Leominster. The variety store is now officially on the map as one of the luckiest spots in the state for instant ticket buyers, as the location will receive a healthy bonus for selling the winning ticket.
The game that delivered the massive payout was the popular **$2,000,000 DIAMOND CASHWORD** instant ticket. While the Lottery did not immediately disclose the winner’s name or their plans for the money, most grand prize winners in Massachusetts opt to take a one-time lump-sum payment. For a $2 million prize, this option typically nets the winner approximately $1.3 million before taxes, which is a considerable amount to set aside for a new home, travel, or retirement.
For Mahant Turnout Variety, the sale is not just a point of pride, but a financial win as well. The store will receive a **$20,000 bonus** from the State Lottery for its role in generating the grand prize. That bonus serves as a nice incentive for retailers and a great story for a local spot.
This latest multi-million dollar win underscores the sheer volume of scratch ticket play in the Commonwealth. The Massachusetts State Lottery continues to be one of the most successful lotteries in the country, generating billions in revenue each fiscal year. In recent years, the Lottery has consistently delivered over $1 billion annually to local communities.
But where does all that money go once the prizes are paid out? That’s the real story for every city and town in Massachusetts. The entire net profit from the State Lottery is returned to the Commonwealth for distribution as **unrestricted local aid** to all 351 cities and towns.
Unlike in some other states, this funding is not earmarked for a single program like education. Instead, municipal leaders have the flexibility to allocate the funds where they are needed most. This local aid money often plays a crucial role in funding essential services, from supplementing budgets for **public safety staffing and equipment** to paying for **local road improvements**, **school services**, and even **snow removal**. So, whether you bought the winning ticket in Leominster or not, your local neighborhood benefits from these massive jackpots being paid out.
The $2 million prize is yet another reminder that you truly never know what’s waiting beneath that silver latex. Keep an eye on the Lottery’s winner reports, because the next big prize could be coming from a variety store near you.