S.C. man’s birthday gift to himself wins $500,000 lottery prize

Dec. 5 (UPI) — A South Carolina man bought himself a scratch-off lottery ticket as a birthday gift and scored a bonus present of $500,000.

The Myrtle Beach man told South Carolina Education Lottery officials he was out with a friend on the day after his birthday when he decided to treat himself to a scratch-off ticket from Murphy Express on International Drive in Myrtle Beach.

He gave the ticket to his friend to scratch, and had to pull his vehicle over when the friend started laughing.

The $10 My Money Maker ticket turned out to be a $500,000 winner.

The belated birthday winner said he is mulling over his options for the prize money.

“I have more opportunities now,” he said.