Matthew Martinez, 24-year-old Belle Glade man, claims $3 million winning Lottery scratch-off ticket

BELLE GLADE, Fla. - A 24-year-old Belle Glade man has claimed a $3 million prize he earned with a Florida Lottery scratch-off game, Lottery officials have announced.

Matthew Martinez bought his $20 Gold Rush Tripler winning ticket at Town Star at 301 N. Main Street in Belle Glade. Lottery officials said Monday that Martinez has opted to take his winnings in a one-time, lump-sum payment of $1.95 million.

According to lottery officials, the Gold Rush Tripler offers up four top prizes of $3 million and more than five million prizes ranging from $20 to $500,000.

" GOLD RUSH TRIPLER offers better odds of winning $30 to $500 compared to previous GOLD RUSH games, and the best odds ever to win $500,000," according to Florida Lottery folks.

Two $3 million prizes are still out there. The Lottery office reports the odds of winning are 1 in 2.95.