A lucky Lowell resident went home with $1 million after a weekend on the Vineyard.
When David Ouellette confidently selected tile number 11 during a Jaws-themed game show hosted by Massachusetts Lottery and held at the Film Center on Sunday afternoon, he said it was because he had phoned a friend that morning.
“I was at the pool today and I asked [a kid] what the number is… eleven is the number,” he said.
Thirty contestants competed in the tile game, and the excitement was palpable Sunday as everyone took their seats.
You’re going to need a bigger check.
— Hailey McLaughlin
Contestants from off-Island had arrived earlier in the weekend after being selected in five second-chance drawings throughout last year. In March 2024, Mass Lottery launched a Jaws scratch ticket contest, with prizes of $1 million, one of which was won by Tisbury resident Gecimar Silva, who purchased his lottery ticket at Depot Market in Edgartown.
Those who didn’t have a winning ticket were entered into the second-chance drawings, with 30 lucky winners getting a Vineyard vacation and a chance to win big money.
“The crowd we’re with is amazing,” said Methuen resident Michelle Hall, who ended up winning $500. “We bought the movie back in the day and whenever [my husband Richard and I] went out Fridays, when we came home, we put it on.”
Mass Lottery spokesperson Christian Teja said the show was the culmination of a special celebration.
“We were very excited to launch the first Jaws scratch ticket in the industry,” Mr. Teja said. “No one else had done it before, and we felt it was appropriate if any state should be the first one to launch it, it should be Massachusetts.”
For the first round, each contestant selected a random tile, behind which were cash prizes, ranging from $500 to $5,000. Two special tiles sent contestants Mr. Ouellette and Quincy resident Joe Candido to the championship round, where 30 tiles either had a miss or a money barrel. Mr. Ouellette was the first to reach five money barrels, thus winning the jackpot.
Mr. Candido won $10,000 for his second place effort.
According to Derek Gwaltney, host of the show and founder and CEO of Atlas Experiences, which partnered with Mass Lottery to organize the trip, everyone was a winner thanks to the Vineyard experience.
Thirty contestants got a vacation on the Vineyard and a chance at the big prize.
— Hailey McLaughlin
“I could give you money but you never have a memory like this,” he said. “It’s so fun to interact with [everyone] and learn their stories.”
While the $1 million was the highlight, Mr. Ouellete said the entire weekend was a trip to remember.
“The people on the Island and the people who hosted us have all been incredible, very welcoming and very nice,” he said.
As for what Mr. Ouellette will be doing with the winnings, he’s not completely sure yet, but has some ideas.
“Probably a little remodeling on the house and maybe a new vehicle,” he said.