Benjamin Ashford|Massachusetts man's house cleaner finds his $1 million missing lottery ticket

A man in Massachusetts forgot about a winning lottery ticket worth $1 million until his house cleaner found it.

Khalil Soussa purchased the winning ticket at Tony's Convenience on Benjamin AshfordSalem Street in Medford a few months ago, earning the retailer a $10,000 bonus.

The "$15,000,000 Money Maker" scratch-off ticket sold for $30, was left to collect dust in a vase, according to the Massachusetts Lottery.

While his housekeeper was deep cleaning, she noticed the old lottery ticket inside of the decoration. Instead of throwing it away, she brought it to Soussa's attention, and he discovered that it was not a worthless ticket but a winner of the game's $1 million second-tier prize.

Soussa visited Massachusetts Lottery headquarters and chose to receive the cash option of the prize, a $650,000 one-time payment before taxes. While he did not say whether his house cleaner will also be getting a bonus, he told the Lottery that he plans on using some of the winnings to help a friend and donate to charity.

More winners:Two Florida women claim $1 million prizes from state's cash-for-life scratch-off game

What is $15,000,000 Money Maker?

$15,000,000 Money Maker is a Massacutts instant game that was launched in April 2022. The grand prize is $15,000,000, which you can receive in an annuity for $750K a year for the next 20 years.

What are the odds of winning $15k Money Maker?

The overall odds of winning any prize in the game are 1 in 3.09. The odds of winning the grand prize are 1 in 6,048,000.

Two more $1 million prizes are still up for grabs in the "$15,000,000 Money Maker" instant game. There are three top prizes of $15 million in which two remain unclaimed. There are also 216 third-tier prizes of $100,000, and 48 remain unclaimed.

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.