Iowa Man Wins Big Lottery Prize On April Fool’s Day

There are some holidays that make winning a big lottery prize see so unreal. We've shared stories of people winning around Christmas and New Year's Day which are feel good stories. This story is a feel good story but winning on a day like April Fool's Day is a blessing and a curse. Why? Because who would believe you were being serious on a day like that? No one.

A fella from Iowa actually did win a big lottery prize from the Iowa Lottery on April Fool's Day 2025. His winnings are real and he's got a picture with a big check to prove it.

Iowa Man Wins Big Lottery Prize On April Fool's Day

Tony Hartley, 47 of Ottumwa, told the Iowa Lottery after finding out he won $20,000 from a scratch off ticket, “I scratched it and flipped out!”

Hartley bought his winning “$20,000 Crossword” scratch ticket at Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh, 2457 N. Court St. in Ottumwa, and claimed his prize Wednesday at the lottery’s main office in Clive.

He works for an RV dealership, said he purchased his ticket during his lunch break. “I got a sandwich, some jalapeño poppers and a couple tickets,” he told Iowa Lottery officials.

Hartley forgot about those tickets until he got home that night and was stunned to see his top prize. “It’s pretty amazing, it’s kind of ironic. I really kind of thought, of all days, why not?” Hartley said.

He plans to use his winnings to pay off some bills, add to his savings account and spoil his new grandchild.