Iowans claiming $500,000 and $50,000 lottery prizes among scratch-off winners this month

At least 16 Iowa Lottery players have come forward this month to claim prizes in scratch-off games that topped $100,000.

The month's biggest winner is a man from Knoxville, Iowa, who won $500,000 from the state's instant game, "$500,000 CA$H".

James Briggs won the fourth prize of $500,000 in the "$500,000 Cash" scratch game organized by the Iowa Lottery. He bought the winning ticket at Casey's at 901 S. Market St. in Oskaloosa. 

Briggs claimed his prize on October 5 at the lottery headquarters in Clive.

The following week, a couple from Butler County were ecstatic after winning a $50,000 lottery prize from a scratch-off ticket.

Suzanne Wubbena, 60, won $50,000 after purchasing a pair of Iowa's $50,000 Super Crossword tickets at J&C Grocery at 306 N. Main St. in Allison. She won the 19th top prize in the Iowa Lottery's "$50,000 Super Crossword" scratch game.

Wubbena purchased two lottery tickets, one for herself and one for her husband. Unfortunately, her ticket did not yield a prize, but her husband noticed that he was revealing more letters than usual.

"It turned out we got all 10 words right, but several years ago he did this to me and we never won a thing on it because he scratched too many letters off," Wubbena told the Iowa Lottery. "So, I thought, 'Oh no, this isn't true,' but it was!"

The Iowa Lottery mentioned that Wubbena sent the winning ticket to her two children to confirm the big win. After verifying it, she and her husband took it to a nearby gas station for a final check to ensure their victory.

"I didn't want to go all that way to claim it and then you guys say, 'No, you're not a winner' again," Wubbena said with a laugh to the Iowa Lottery.

She mentioned that they plan to spend some of their winnings on a hunting trip for him in Wyoming and a new TV for her.

More winners:'I always knew I'd win big': Virginia woman wins $900,000 online instant game jackpot

What is the $50,000 Super Crossword?

With a $5 scratch-off ticket, Iowa Lottery players have the chance to win one of the 105 top prizes worth $50,000. Overall odds of winning are 1 in 3.26. 

What is The $500,000 CA$H?

The $500,000 CA$H game is a $50 scratch card that offers players the chance to win prizes up to $500,000. Match the numbers on your ticket with the numbers in the playing area to win The overall odds of winning are 1 in 3.09.

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.