Stafford Couple Wins $4 Million Scratch-Off Prize, Plan to Pay off Mortgage and Go Out to Dinner

Richard and Janet Dalbys collected their winnings at Taylor's Market in Stafford on Friday

At first, Richard Dalby of Stafford Va., thought he had won $100,000 in the Virginia Lottery's $4 Million Mega Multiplier scratch-off game.

He was excited -- but he was in for an even bigger surprise. 

When Dalby showed the ticket to the owner of Taylor's Market in Stafford, he discovered that he and his wife, Janet, actually had a winning ticket for the top prize in the game, worth $4 million. 

The store owner told Dalby to sign the back of the ticket -- but wouldn't let him leave the store until he stopped shaking, lottery officials said.

Those who win money on the game can nab prizes ranging from $20, all the way up to $4 million. This is the first top-prize ticket claimed in the game. 

The Dalbys returned to Taylor's Market in Stafford on Friday to receive their prize from the Virginia Lottery. The couple had the choice of taking the full $4 million over 30 years, or a one-time cash option of $2,149,572. They chose the cash option.

The Dalbys said they plan to pay off their mortgage, and then go out to dinner.

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