California woman claims $2 million lottery prize after near-miss years earlier

A woman from California who said she refused to give up on the lottery after narrowly missing out on a $2 million prize now says her determination paid off: She won a $2 million prize of her own. 

Mehret Werrede purchased a scratch-off ticket at Circle Liquor on West La Habra Boulevard in La Habra, which won her $2 million. 

Werrede said she bought a $20 "Instant Prize Crossword" scratch-off ticket after missing out on the chance to win $2 million six years ago from the exact same instant game.

Six years ago, Werrede said she had the worst luck after purchasing three of the Instant Prize Crossword scratch-offs but she decided not to buy the fourth one, which turned out to be holding the top prize.

"The first ticket didn't give me anything; the second one, I won $25, and on the third, I won $50," Werrede told the California Lottery. "I didn't buy a fourth. The clerk told me someone walked in the next day and won the jackpot."

After realizing the potential of winning big, Werrede said she became motivated and continued playing the lottery. Her persistence paid off after six years when she purchased a $20 Instant Prize Crossword ticket and won the top prize of $2 million.

"I couldn't believe it finally happened," Werrede said. "I was shocked! I went home to tell my husband what happened. He didn't really believe it until I got my check."

What is the Instant Prize Crossword?

The Instant Prize Crossword is a $20 instant game offered by the California Lottery. Recently, Werrede won the $2 million top prize, leaving nine out of 32 top prizes remaining. There are also 24 out of 64 second-tier prizes of $25,000 and 19 out of 67 third-tier prizes of $10,000 left to claim.

What are the odds of winning Instant Prize Crossword?

The chances of winning any prize in the game are 1 in 3.1. The odds of winning the top prize are 1 in 1,231,500.

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.