Davenport Man Wins $50,000 in Iowa Lottery Game

Dominic Michael was shocked to discover his scratch ticket was worth 10 times more than he expected.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:54pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a person's hands holding a lottery ticket, with the numbers and symbols blurred into soft pools of warm color and light, conveying the excitement and life-changing potential of even modest lottery jackpots.A lucky Davenport man's $50,000 Iowa Lottery win provides a much-needed financial boost and sense of joy.Cedar Rapids Today

A Davenport man named Dominic Michael won $50,000 from an Iowa Lottery Super Crossword scratch ticket, despite initially thinking he had only won $5,000. Michael claimed his prize at the lottery's Cedar Rapids regional office.

Why it matters

Lottery wins, even relatively small ones, can provide a financial boost for individuals and families, helping them pay down debt, save for the future, or support loved ones. This story highlights the excitement and surprise that can come with an unexpected lottery windfall.

The details

Michael bought his winning $50,000 Super Crossword scratch ticket at a Casey's gas station in Bettendorf, Iowa. When he scanned the ticket at another retailer, he was shocked to see that it was worth 10 times more than he had thought, exclaiming 'Is this real?!' The $50,000 Super Crossword is a $5 scratch game with 105 top prizes of $50,000 and overall odds of 1 in 3.26.

  • On Monday, Dominic Michael claimed his $50,000 prize at the Iowa Lottery's Cedar Rapids regional office.
  • Michael bought the winning $50,000 Super Crossword scratch ticket at a Casey's gas station in Bettendorf, Iowa.

The players

Dominic Michael

A Davenport, Iowa resident who won $50,000 from an Iowa Lottery Super Crossword scratch ticket.

Iowa Lottery

The state-run lottery organization that oversees lottery games and prize claims in Iowa.

Casey's

The gas station chain where Dominic Michael purchased his winning $50,000 scratch ticket in Bettendorf, Iowa.

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What they’re saying

“I thought I'd won $5,000 and I thought, 'Well heck, that's a great deal!'”

— Dominic Michael

“I go down to the gas station that's a few blocks away and I scanned it to make sure, and it said $50,000! I said, 'Is this real?!' It was a big shock.”

— Dominic Michael

“I'm just really excited. It's a nice opportunity to pay off a little debt, get a little ahead, and probably help the grandkids out a little bit. It feels really good.”

— Dominic Michael

What’s next

Michael plans to use his $50,000 winnings to pay off some debt, save for the future, and help support his grandchildren.

The takeaway

This story highlights the excitement and financial impact that even a relatively small lottery win can have on an individual's life, providing an opportunity to get ahead, pay down debt, and support loved ones.