One of the most sought-after Scratch games in recent Idaho Lottery memory ended when both top prizes of $300,000 from the game Gold & Silver were claimed at Lottery offices in Boise on Monday. In recent weeks, with both top prizes unclaimed, the Idaho Lottery had received numerous record requests for lists of retail locations and a steady stream of daily phone calls from players asking about the game’s status, all trying to track down any available tickets that remained for sale. When both Gold & Silver winners were claimed, the game had sold 99.97% of all available tickets.

The first Gold & Silver top prize of $300,000 was sold from Cameron Mini Mart in Kellogg in northern Idaho. The second Gold & Silver top prize of $300,000 was sold at Maverik in Rigby in eastern Idaho. 

Both top prizes were purchased and claimed by Fortunate Sons, LLC, a group of friends from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who engage in “Lotto-tourism” all across America. Lottery players, both in and out of the state, will invest their money and time in travel-related expenses, scouring the country in hopes of trying to find a top prize-winning ticket by purchasing as many remaining tickets in a game as possible.

In addition to the sale of the scratch tickets purchased by these organizations, these traveling players also contribute to Idaho’s economy through overnight accommodations, rental car fees, fuel, and food expenses. It isn’t uncommon for Lottery players to cross borders. Players from Oregon, Washington, and Utah often cross into Idaho to play the Lottery and the same is true for Idaho Lottery players.

The Idaho Lottery does not endorse the strategy employed by these organizations that chase jackpots all across our country.

For selling the top prizes on Gold & Silver, Cameron Mini Mart and Maverik will each receive a bonus from the Idaho Lottery of $20,000.