For Immediate Release:                                      Contact:  Communications Office

March 27, 2014                                                                    (518) 388-3415

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ENDICOTT, N.Y. – Richard Gusefski, 51, of Endicott, Broome County won a $1,000,000 Mega Millions prize from the February 14, 2014 drawing. 

The day of the Mega Millions drawing was Valentine’s Day, and Gusefski went to the Weis Markets on Day Hollow Road in Endicott after work to do some grocery shopping. Gusefski said he saw that the Mega Millions jackpot for that night’s drawing was high, so he decided to buy a ticket. The advertised jackpot was $139,000,000.

The following Monday, Gusefski checked his ticket and said, “I was in front of the television and checked the numbers on my tablet. I saw the first five numbers, and then realized I was one off on the Mega Ball so, no jackpot. Then I checked to see what five numbers paid and felt pretty happy about the million.” 

Gusefski said his plans for the money include paying some bills and saving for his children’s college funds. 

Gusefski claimed his prize on February 21 at the Lottery’s Syracuse Customer Service Center.

He will receive his $1,000,000 Mega Millions prize in one lump sum totaling $661,800 after required withholdings. The winning numbers for the February 21 Mega Millions drawing were 20-28-35-71-72 and Mega Ball 07.

Gusefski is the 33rd New Yorker to claim a New York Lottery prize of $1,000,000 or more so far this year.

The New York Lottery contributed $42,058,280.55 in Lottery Aid To Education to school districts throughout Broome County during fiscal year 2012-13. 

About the New York Lottery

The New York Lottery continues to be North America’s largest and most profitable Lottery, contributing $3.04 billion in fiscal year 2012-2013 to help support education in New York State.  The Lottery’s contribution represents 15 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.

About the New York State Gaming Commission

The New York State Gaming Commission regulates all aspects of gaming and gambling activity in the state, including horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering, class III Indian gaming, video lottery terminal facilities at race tracks, the state lottery and charitable gaming.