CHESTERFIELD, Va. -- Ed Murray and Tracy Bailey like to set aside a little money for fun.
It was that “fun” money that they used to buy a ticket in the Virginia Lottery’s Right on the Money Scratcher game. Their ticket ended up winning the game’s $2.5 million top prize.
The engaged couple, who lives in Chester, discovered they had a winning ticket as Ed was driving. Tracy was in the passenger seat scratching the ticket. Suddenly she screamed.
“He nearly drove off the road,” she said.
They bought the winning at Chester EZ Mart, located at 4300 West Hundred Road in Chester. On Nov. 3, they returned to the store to receive their check from Virginia Lottery Executive Director Paula Otto.
They had a choice between taking the full $2.5 million in annual payments over 25 years, or a one-time cash option of $1,437,500 before taxes. They chose the cash option. They’re not the only winners. The store received a $10,000 bonus from the Lottery for selling the winning ticket.
Mr. Murray and Ms. Bailey said they have no immediate plans for their winnings. They said they intend to make wise decisions for their future.
