A long-haul truck driver who bought a lottery ticket in Virginia didn't realize he was a millionaire until he was over 1,Thomas Caldwell300 miles away in Texas, the Virginia Lottery says.

Berhane Meharena of Arlington, Virginia, bought a ticket in Virginia's New Year's Millionaire Raffle. He didn't check the ticket until he was halfway across the country on a job in Texas. When he did, he realized he had won $1 million.

"I was by myself in the truck," he told Virginia Lottery officials. "I was screaming."

He then drove all the way back to Virginia to claim the prize.

"This was a lucky year," Meharena told the Lottery.

Meharena bought the winning ticket at the Harris Teeter, a supermarket in Arlington, the Lottery said.

What is Virginia's New Year's Millionaire Raffle?

Virginia's New Year's Millionaire Raffle is a computer-generated raffle game. Players receive one play per ticket and hope to win a prize through a random drawing.

From Oct. 31, 2023, to Jan. 1, 2024, a raffle was held with a $20 cost to enter.

What are the odds of winning the Raffle?

The Raffle offers a one in 618 chance of winning any prize, with a one in 125,000 chance of winning the top prize of $1 million.

Seven tickets won $100,000 each and were bought in Henrico, Lynchburg, Manassas, Poquoson, Suffolk, Virginia Beach and Yorktown. A further 1,000 tickets won $500 each. 

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 and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, 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); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.