A routine stop at a Lexington gas station turned into a life-changing event for Frank Arrazola, a local construction worker. During a return trip from the Cincinnati airport, Arrazola and a friend stopped at the Anniston Mini Mart in Lexington, where a cashier’s suggestion led him to purchase his first lottery ticket.
A Lucky Tip
Arrazola recounted the moment to Kentucky Lottery officials, explaining how he paid for gas with a $20 bill and received $5.47 in change. Unsure of what to do with the remaining five dollars, he asked the cashier for advice. She pointed out the lottery tickets, mentioning which ones she considered lucky. Taking her advice, Arrazola purchased a $5 $100,000 Jackpot Scratch-off ticket.
As he scratched the ticket in the car, Arrazola was astonished to see the number 2 match, revealing a $100,000 prize. Overwhelmed with excitement, he and his co-worker immediately returned to the store to confirm the win. The cashier shared in their excitement, as it was Arrazola’s first time playing the lottery.
Plans for the Future
Arrazola shared the news with his wife the following morning after dropping their children off at school. He described the moment as a surprise, showing her the winning ticket, which she found hard to believe.
Originally from Honduras, Arrazola moved to the United States after a planned 15-day vacation turned into a permanent stay due to family circumstances and a leap of faith. Before relocating, he played professional soccer in Honduras. Now settled in Lexington, he supports two local schools in his home country.
With his lottery winnings, Arrazola plans to invest in education and continue supporting his family. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities the United States has provided, calling the win a blessing that will help them build their story further.
After taxes, Arrazola took home $72,500. The Anniston Mini Mart, where he purchased the ticket, will receive $1,000 for selling the winning ticket. The Kentucky Lottery released the $100,000 Jackpot scratch-off in December 2025, with one top prize and 100 second-tier prizes still available.
Original reporting: WTVQ (Lexington) — read the source article.
