News Summary
Pablo Herrera, a 42-year-old from Valrico, Florida, has won $2 million after purchasing a Monopoly Secret Vault scratch-off lottery ticket. He claimed his prize at the Florida Lottery’s district office in Tampa, opting for a lump-sum payment of over $1.15 million. The winning ticket was bought at MM Food Mart on Highway 60, one of four top prizes in the game that features substantial prizes and nearly $176 million in total cash awards. The Florida Lottery continues to encourage responsible participation in lottery games.
Valrico, Florida – A 42-year-old man named Pablo Herrera has won a staggering $2 million after purchasing a lottery ticket for the Monopoly Secret Vault scratch-off game. Herrera claimed his prize on June 16 at the Florida Lottery’s district office in Tampa, choosing a one-time lump-sum payment of $1,153,865.
The winning ticket was purchased earlier this year at MM Food Mart located on Highway 60 in Valrico. This ticket led to one of the four top prizes available in the $10 Monopoly Secret Vault scratch-off game, which launched in July 2024. The game not only offers substantial prizes but features a staggering over $176 million in total cash prizes, alongside 6.8 million winning tickets.
The odds of winning a prize through the Monopoly Secret Vault game stand at 1-in-3.41, highlighting both the allure and accessibility of lottery games. In light of such wins, the Florida Lottery emphasizes the importance of responsible play. Players are encouraged to set personal budgets and avoid the misconception that participating in the lottery is a reliable means of making money.
In addition, prospective players are warned against the dangers of chasing losses and borrowing money to engage in lottery gaming. The Florida Lottery aims to promote a safe and enjoyable lottery experience while guiding players toward responsible decisions.
Lottery Game Overview
The Monopoly Secret Vault scratch-off game is part of a series of games developed by the Florida Lottery that are designed to capture the imagination of players with thematic concepts—this one being based on the classic Monopoly board game. The game offers a comprehensive range of cash prizes and appeals to both casual players and serious lottery enthusiasts.
Background Context of Lottery Games in Florida
Since its inception, the Florida Lottery has become a prominent provider of lottery games in Florida. The introduction of varied games, such as the Monopoly Secret Vault, contributes to the lottery’s ongoing success and popularity. With a wide variety of games available, participants are drawn in by the potential for large prizes, while the lottery itself further supports community projects and educational initiatives across Florida.
As the games evolve and new options become available, the Florida Lottery remains committed to ensuring that players are well-informed about their participation. The responsibility message continues to be a crucial aspect of the lottery’s mission, particularly in fostering a healthy gaming culture where individuals can enjoy the thrill of the game without deviating from personal financial accountability.
The recent win by Pablo Herrera in Valrico serves as a reminder of the excitement that the lottery can bring, while also reinforcing the necessity for responsible play among all participants in the lottery system.
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Additional Resources
- WTSP News: Scratch Off Lottery Winner in Valrico, Florida
- CBS 12 News: Scratch-Off Pays Off for Florida Man
- Miami Herald: Florida Lottery Winner
- WFLA: Man Turns $5 into $1 Million with Scratch-Off
- West Orlando News: Hillsborough County Man Wins $1 Million
- Wikipedia: Lottery
- Google Search: Florida Lottery Games
- Google Scholar: Lottery Responsible Play
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lottery
- Google News: Florida Lottery Winners

Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.


