For Immediate Release:                                  Contact:  Communications Office

October 8, 2013                                                                 (518) 388-3415

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PRATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Joseph Barkalow, 56, of Prattsburgh, Steuben County plays Lotto twice a week because each game only costs a dollar.  The Quick Pick ticket he purchased on September 12 was the only ticket statewide to match all six numbers from the September 14 drawing earning the maintenance worker a $2,600,000 payday.

“I was stunned when I checked my ticket and saw that I matched all six numbers drawn,” explained the loyal Lotto player.  “I always buy my tickets here because this is where I shop for my groceries.”

Barkalow purchased his jackpot-winning Lotto ticket at the Prattsburgh Super Duper on Main Street in Prattsburgh.  He claimed his prize on September 16 at the Lottery’s Rochester Customer Service Center.

Barkalow chose to receive his prize as a one-time lump sum of $1,579,305, netting him $1,045,184 after required withholdings.  The winning numbers for the September 14 Lotto drawing were 04-10-27-46-52-56.

Steuben County’s newest Lottery millionaire already has a few plans in mind for his winnings. 

“I plan to help out my children and maybe buy some land somewhere in town.  I’m also thinking about taking an Alaskan fishing trip,” said Barkalow.

Barkalow is New York State’s 111th Lottery millionaire in 2013.

The New York Lottery contributed $26,448,404.50 in Lottery Aid To Education to school districts throughout Steuben 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.