Megaplier option reaps an extra $4 million for Vermont man

Drawing Date: 8/16/2016

August 23, 2016 – It’s amazing what a difference an extra dollar can make especially when playing the Lottery. Reg Abare decided to add the Megaplier for an extra buck when he bought his regular Mega Millions ticket on August 16. That Megaplier option turned a $1 million second prize into $5 million.

Abare is retired after 45 years as Engineering Director for the City of Barre. He is a Barre local and has been playing the Lottery for the past 10 years. Normally, he purchases three tickets twice a week from Brookside Country Store for the next draw game and selects the multiplier option.

“I purchase the same three tickets each week as part of my routine. I like to go into the store to pick up a few items and get “the usual” for my lottery purchase.” said Abare. “I have been a regular at that store for years and plan to keep buying my lottery tickets there.”

“The actual moment when I was checking my numbers against the results I felt kind of numb, and had a bit of doubt. Could this be right? I had to ask a family member to look at it, and then go to the store to check it again. Then I felt really glad that I spent the extra dollar on the multiplier.” Once he confirmed his lucky win, he made sure to take a selfie with the cashier.

Jeff Cavender, speaking for the Vermont Lottery, noted that though Vermont has never had a jackpot winner in Mega Millions, “this is the largest Mega Millions prize ever won in the state of Vermont. The extra dollar spent for the Megaplier gained Mr. Abare an extra $4 million. It’s great for our players and agents.”

“As for plans for my winnings,” Abare said, “I’m handy around the house and usually have many projects going on. I will also be looking at some investments. This will certainly help!”

The numbers drawn for the estimated annuitized jackpot of $52,000,000 were 2-43-52-62-63 and 6 for the Megaball. The Megaplier multiplier was 5.

Vermont Lottery games are sold at almost 700 agent locations and WinStations throughout the state. For information on lottery games and on-line game draw results, please visit www.vtlottery.com. The Vermont Education Fund receives 100% of Lottery profits. Please play responsibly.