The New York Lottery’s Yolanda Vega today awarded a Buffalo woman with her $1,000,000 scratch-off prize at the Lottery’s Office on Genesee Street.  Sixty-two-year-old Geni Miller won her jackpot on the new Big Million ticket.

“I usually buy the new tickets when they first come out,” explained Miller.  “I bought it after lunch and brought it back to my desk to scratch.”

Miller didn’t believe it was a winner at first.  “I showed my co-worker and asked, ‘do you see what I see?’ I immediately put it my purse and drove down to the Lottery office to claim it.”

Miller chose to receive her $1,000,000 prize as a one-time lump sum payment.  She will receive a net check totaling $524,004 after required withholdings.

“It still doesn’t feel real,” Miller continued.  “I’m thinking about retiring a little early.  I also plan to buy a new house.”

As of this writing there are three outstanding top prizes available on the Big Million 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.

Miller is the 31st New York Lottery player to claim a prize totaling $1,000,000 or more this year.

The New York Lottery contributed $197,351,070 in Lottery Aid to Education to school districts in Erie 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 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).