GULFPORT — A routine stop at a Long Beach gas station turned into a seven-figure payday for a Gulfport man who on Tuesday claimed a $1 million top prize from the Mississippi Lottery’s $30 Millionaire Maker scratch-off game.
Where and how the ticket was purchased
The winning ticket was purchased Monday at the Shell station in Long Beach as part of the player’s regular lottery routine. The man typically buys his favorite draw games and one scratch-off per visit and said smaller prior wins on the Millionaire Maker kept him buying the same game. He also said he alternates the retailers where he purchases tickets, making the Long Beach stop the location of his life-changing win.
Winner’s plans and immediate reaction
After claiming the prize, the winner told lottery officials he already has plans for the money: purchasing a new vehicle and setting aside a significant portion for savings. The Mississippi Lottery confirmed the prize and the sale location but did not release the winner’s name, consistent with privacy practices for lottery claims unless winners choose otherwise.
How this fits into the game’s history
The Millionaire Maker scratch-off was introduced in January 2026. In less than a year on the market, Mississippi Lottery Corporation officials said the game has produced multiple top-tier winners. The Gulfport player is the third to claim a $1 million top prize from the ticket since the game’s debut.
| Millionaire Maker top prizes claimed | Remaining $1M top prizes |
|---|---|
| 3 claimed | 7 remaining |
What players should know
Players wanting to check their tickets have several options. The Mississippi Lottery encourages use of its official mobile app or visiting any authorized lottery retailer to verify tickets. Additional information about the Millionaire Maker game and other lottery offerings is available on the Mississippi Lottery’s website and through the official app.
- Game name: $30 Millionaire Maker scratch-off
- Top prize: $1,000,000 (three claimed, seven remain)
- Where to check tickets: Mississippi Lottery app or any Mississippi Lottery retailer
Local perspective and broader context
Lottery wins often generate interest in the communities where tickets were sold. While some winners immediately publicize their identities and plans, others choose privacy. The Mississippi Lottery’s disclosure of the retail location — a Shell in Long Beach — provides a tangible connection for residents and can boost foot traffic at the retailer where the winning ticket was sold.
The Millionaire Maker has become one of the state’s notable scratch-off offerings since its introduction earlier this year. Lottery officials typically balance transparency about payouts and retailer locations with privacy protections for winners who do not wish to be publicly identified.
How to claim winnings and common next steps
Large prize winners must follow established procedures to claim winnings, including presenting the winning ticket and appropriate identification to the Mississippi Lottery. Winners frequently consult financial and legal advisers before making major purchases or public announcements; this winner has said he will buy a vehicle and save the remainder.
For players across the state, the announced winning ticket is a reminder to check previously purchased tickets and consider using official channels for verification.
Mississippi Lottery representatives confirmed the prize and encouraged players to visit the lottery’s website or download the official mobile app for game details and the most current payout information.
Curtis Whitfield is the state correspondent for WE NEWS.
