2025 Press Releases

Holiday Surprise: Middletown Man Wins $100,000 Top Prize Playing Lucky Stars Instant Game

Dover, DE — A 66-year-old man from Middletown, DE is celebrating a major holiday-season win after claiming a $100,000 prize from the Delaware Lottery’s Lucky Stars Instant Game. The winning ticket was purchased at Food Lion #1369, located at 501 W. Main Street in Middletown. The lucky winner claimed his prize at Delaware Lottery Headquarters on December 17, 2025.

Anthony Holcomb said he typically purchases just one ticket at a time. On this occasion, however, he decided to try his luck with a few different games after a small win. After purchasing one $30 instant ticket and winning $100, Holcomb picked up some Powerball tickets and two Lucky Stars instant tickets. The first ticket was not a winner, but the second revealed the $100,000 top prize.

Holcomb, who has won big on Instant Games before, has been playing the Delaware Lottery since 2010 for fun, and said he was both shocked and happy when he realized he had won. The first person he shared the news with was his wife. The couple plans to use the winnings to help pay off their bills.

“This kind of win is especially exciting during the holiday season,” said Helene Keeley, Director of the Delaware Lottery. “We’re thrilled for Anthony and his family and love seeing moments like this bring a little extra joy this time of year. We congratulate him on his win and remind everyone to enjoy playing responsibly.”

The Lucky Stars Instant Game is a $20 ticket that offers players the chance to win prizes up to $100,000 with two top prizes left as of December 19th. The game is one of several higher-price instant games available at Delaware Lottery retailers statewide, offering players exciting prize opportunities at various price points. Players can find Lucky Stars and our new line-up of Holiday-themed games for the perfect gift for anyone on your list at Delaware Lottery retailers throughout the state.

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.

Winner Privacy is our Policy.
The Delaware Lottery only publishes winner names with their consent.