2025 Press Releases
October 27, 2025
Son Wins $100,000 Delaware Lottery 50th Anniversary Instant Prize in Honor of His Late Mother
Dover, DE — In a heartfelt twist of fate, Christopher Yelen, a 44-year-old social worker from Ellicott City, MD, won $100,000 playing the Delaware Lottery’s 50th Anniversary Instant Game with a ticket he purchased to honor his late mother’s memory.
Yelen bought the winning ticket at Royal Farms #263, located at 36437 Lighthouse Road in Selbyville, and claimed his prize at Lottery Headquarters on October 27, 2025.
He explained that his mother was a regular Lottery player, and buying a ticket in her honor felt like a way to remember her. “I bought it to honor her memory,” Yelen said. “When I realized I had actually won, I knew she had something to do with it.”
Having just started playing the day before, Yelen said he was “in complete shock” when he scratched off the $100,000 prize. The first person he told was his sister, and he plans to keep the money in the bank to help build a secure financial future. “As a social worker, I am beyond grateful for this shocking prize,” he added.
“This story truly warms the heart,” said Helene Keeley, Director of the Delaware Lottery. “It’s incredible to see someone’s first experience playing the Lottery become a moment of joy and remembrance. We’re so happy for Christopher and touched that his mother’s memory played a part in his celebration.”
The Delaware Lottery’s 50th Anniversary $50 Instant Game was launched as part of the state’s yearlong celebration of five decades of play. The game offers players the chance to win up to $1,000,000 instantly, with one $1 million top prize still available. Players can also try other exciting Instant Games, including $30 Cash King, $20 All Cash, and $10 Grand Grab, each offering fun ways to win big. Tickets are available statewide at Delaware Lottery retailers.
About the Delaware Lottery:
Since the start of operations in 1975, the Delaware Lottery has contributed $6.0 billion to the state’s General Fund to help finance needed state services that benefit everyone in Delaware. The Lottery offers a variety of games: POWERBALL®, MEGA MILLIONS®, LOTTO AMERICA®, MULTI-WIN LOTTO, LUCKY FOR LIFE®, PLAY 3, PLAY 4, PLAY 5, Keno®, Sports Lottery and Instant Games, iGaming, Video Lottery and Table Games. Delaware Lottery game and promotional details are available at delottery.com, at licensed locations, and from the Lottery’s office in Dover.
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The Delaware Lottery only publishes winner names with their consent.
