A pair of lottery players are happy they scratched.

In the past week, stores in Lewiston and Phillips have each sold instant Maine Lottery tickets worth $250,000.

The state declined to release the names of the winners. However, it did release the location of each purchase.

One win was on an Extravaganza Instant ticket sold at Lisbon Street News in Lewiston. The other was on a Big Winner Spectacular game sold at Bear Hill Variety in Phillips.

People from both stores declined comment Thursday.

However, in a prepared statement, Maine Lottery Director Dan Gwadosky trumpeted the wins.

“While there is always interest in the jackpot games, especially when they reach higher levels, it is the everyday winners who reinforce the lottery’s attraction and success,” Gwadosky said.

The estimated jackpot in Saturday’s Powerball drawing is $204 million.

– Dan Hartill