The New York Lottery’s Yolanda Vega today presented $8,000,000 to Long Island’s newest Lottery millionaires.  The winners received their ceremonial prize checks at the Lottery’s Customer Service Center in Plainview on Long Island.

Patchogue College Student ‘Set for Life’ with $5,000,000 Scratch-off Win

Twenty-one-year-old Maria Idrovo of Patchogue was given a Set for Life scratch-off ticket by a family member and is now $5,000,000 richer.  Idrovo scratched off matching 13s earning her the $5,000,000 jackpot prize.

“Plain shock,” is how Idrovo explained her thoughts after realizing she won.  “I read the game and thought I won so I took it to a local store to confirm.  It turned out to be a winner.”

Idrovo opted to receive her prize as a one-time lump sum payment and will receive a net check totaling $2,591,133 after required withholdings.

Idrovo said her plans for the money include paying off her student loans, buying a new car and eventually a house.

As of this writing there are six outstanding top prizes available on the popular Set for Life ticket.  Players may check the status of any New York Lottery Scratch-off game by clicking the Instant Games Reports link at nylottery.ny.gov.

The winning ticket was purchased at Thrifty Beverage at 1735 Goldbach Avenue in Ronkonkoma.

Lake Ronkonkoma Man Buys $3,000,000 Winnings Scratch-off Ticket on Way Home from Work

Twenty-eight-year-old Michael Pugh stopped for a scratch-off ticket on his way home from work and became New York’s newest Lottery millionaire.  Pugh scratched the $3,000,000 Mayhem ticket at red light while driving home and won the $3,000,000 top prize.

“I started screaming with excitement!” explained Pugh.  “I bought this ticket because I’ve had luck on it in the past.  I like the game.”

Pugh opted to receive his prize as a one-time lump sum payment and will receive a net check totaling $1,598,884 after required withholdings.

“Right now, my only thought for the money is to set up college funds for our future children,” said Pugh.

As of this writing there is one outstanding top prize available on the $3,000,000 Mayhem ticket.  Players may check the status of any New York Lottery Scratch-off game by clicking the Instant Games Reports link at nylottery.ny.gov.

Pugh purchased his life-changing ticket at the 7-Eleven at 655 Route 25A in Kings Park.

The New York Lottery contributed $262,959,344 in Lottery Aid to Education to school districts in Suffolk County during fiscal year 2017-2018.

About the New York Lottery

The New York Lottery continues to be North America’s largest and most profitable Lottery, contributing $3.37 billion in fiscal year 2017-2018 to help support education in New York State. The Lottery’s contribution represents approximately 13 percent of total state education aid to local school districts.

New York Lottery revenue is distributed to local school districts by the same statutory formula used to distribute other state aid to education. It takes into account both a school district’s size and its income level; larger, lower-income school districts receive proportionately larger shares of Lottery school funding.

New Yorkers struggling with a gambling addiction, or who know someone who is, can find help by calling the State's toll-free, confidential HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (467369).