Virginia man 'about passed out' after winning $5 million from scratch-off ticket

A man from Virginia won $5 million playing an instant scratch-off game, the highest prize available in the state for instant games.

Tracy Neff of Lee County, Virginia, won $5 million after purchasing a $30 100X the Money ticket at Black Diamond Market in Pennington Gap.

As Neff examined the scratcher ticket in his hand, he noticed that he had hit the jackpot - the ticket was worth $5 million. Despite the excitement and temptation to shout from the rooftops, Neff decided to keep quiet about his good fortune.

"I just about passed out!" Neff told the Virginia Lottery.

On November 13, he visited the Virginia Lottery to claim his top prize and was presented with two options. He could either receive the full prize of $5 million in annual payments over 30 years or opt for a one-time cash payment of $3,125,000 before taxes. He decided to go with the latter.

The store that sold the ticket is entitled to a $10,000 bonus from the Virginia Lottery.

More winners:Michigan woman plans to give her kids their best Christmas ever after winning $100,000

What is 100x the Money?

The 100X Money scratch-off offers prizes ranging from $30 to $5 million. Neff became the first winner of the game's top prizes this year, leaving two unclaimed.

What are the odds of winning 100x the Money?

The probability of winning the $5 million prize is 1 in 2,652,000, while the overall chance of winning any prize is 1 in 2.82.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in-person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets. 

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms and conditions.