The New York Lottery’s Yolanda Vega today awarded a Victor man with his $1,000,000 Lottery prize at the store where he purchased his lucky ticket. Forty-nine-year-old Robert Murray purchased his jackpot winning Big Million ticket at the Tops Friendly Markets on Penfield Road in Rochester while grocery shopping for his mother.

“My mom wasn’t feeling well that day, so I offered go grocery shopping for her on my way home from work,” said Murray.  “I don’t normally play the Lottery, but I saw the vending machine on my way out and took a chance.”

Murray scratched the ticket in his car and was surprised at what he saw.  “I just kept looking at it and looking at it.  I brought it home and signed it because I knew it was a bearer instrument.”

Murray opted to receive his $1,000,000 prize as a one-time lump sum payment.  He will receive a net check totaling $524,004 after required withholdings.

“I’ll use the money to pay off a few things and save the rest,” he explained.  “I’ll probably retire a little earlier than planned.”

Murray is the 60th New York Lottery player to claim a prize totaling $1,000,000 or more this year.

As of this writing there are two 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.

The New York Lottery contributed $20,121,128 in Lottery Aid to Education to school districts in Ontario County during fiscal year 2018-2019.

About the New York Lottery

The New York Lottery continues to be North America’s largest and most profitable Lottery, contributing $3.47 billion in fiscal year 2018-2019 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).  Standard rates may apply.