The New York Lottery’s Amanda Serrano presented over-sized prize checks worth a total of $10 million to three lucky Lottery players at the Lottery’s Plainview office on Long Island. The winners included a husband and wife who won the top prize of $7 million on the New York Millions scratch-off and a $3 million winner who regularly plays $3,000,000 Frenzy.

Mount Sinai Couple Split $7,000,000 Jackpot Prize

Scott Guzzone and MaryAnn Lauro of Mount Sinai have claimed the top prize of $7,000,000 on the New York Millions scratch-off game.

They purchased their ticket at Stop & Shop on Route 25A in Miller Place. While standing in front of the Lottery vending machine, Lauro asked Guzzone for some money for a ticket.

“I already had a ten and asked him for some more. I usually play smaller tickets but I had a really strong feeling about the New York Millions ticket,” said Lauro.

“I thought she only needed a couple bucks. I was surprised she was getting a $25 ticket,” said Guzzone.

Lauro’s instinct was right: “The feeling was so strong, I didn’t scratch the ticket, just the barcode.”

When Lauro scanned the ticket, they saw “Large Sum Won – Contact New York Lottery.” Unsure of what this meant, the couple took the ticket to the counter.

“I handed the ticket to the clerk who scanned it and saw the same thing. She handed the ticket back and suggested I scratch it to see how much I won” Lauro said.

After scratching the ticket, Lauro and Guzzone both thought it was a $7,000 winner.

“When we realized it was $7 million, we were in shock, I thought something had to be wrong. MaryAnn was shaking so it was lucky we had taken two cars so I could drive her home.” Guzzone said of the big win.

When asked how it felt to win a jackpot, Guzzone said, “If I were 26 I’d be blowing it. But now that I’m older it’s almost a burden. I feel pressure to do the right thing.”

Lauro’s feelings were, “Thank God. It was meant to be.”

Guzzone and Lauro will split the prize 50/50, netting each $2,316,300. Their plans for it include “investing most of it for a secure future. We both need new vehicles and maybe a vacation to Florida. “

Islandia Man Matches “29’s” to win $3,000,000 Jackpot

Michael DeFalco of Islandia has claimed a $3 million top prize on the $3,000,000 Frenzy scratch-off ticket.

DeFalco, who works as a distribution manager of retail foods, plays New York Lottery scratch-off games regularly and particularly likes the $3,000,000 Frenzy game.

“I have played this game since it came out and I’ve won $200 and $500, so I decided to play it again,” he said.

DeFalco was on his way home from work when he stopped at the gas station where he normally buys his Lottery tickets.

“I bought a $3,000,000 Frenzy ticket and won $10. So I used that $10 and bought another one.”

DeFalco said he scratched the $3,000,000 Frenzy ticket in his car and saw that the number ‘29’ matched up and underneath it said ‘Jackpot.’ That’s when he knew he had won big.

As he drove home, DeFalco called his wife, Kristen, who was shopping at the time.

“I told her, ‘We won $3 million dollars,’ and she said ‘No, you’re lying.’ And I said, ‘No I’m not. It’s really true. Now put all your stuff down right now, leave the store and meet me at home.’”

When his wife got home, DeFalco showed her the ticket and that’s when she started to really believe that it was true.

When asked how it feels to be a new Lottery millionaire, Michael said, “I don’t really know. It hasn’t all hit me yet. But I do know this will give me a lot of peace of mind for the future.”

DeFlaco will receive his prize as a one-time lump sum payment totaling $1,594,938 after required withholdings.

DeFalco said his plans for the money include buying a house, saving for retirement and making some investments for the future.

The New York Lottery contributed $245,288,826 in Lottery Aid To Education to school districts throughout Suffolk County during fiscal year 2015-2016.

About the New York Lottery

The New York Lottery continues to be North America’s largest and most profitable Lottery, contributing $3.30 billion in fiscal year 2015-2016 to help support education in New York State.

The Lottery’s contribution represents 14 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.