For Immediate Release:                                        Contact:  Communications Office

August 20, 2013                                                                       (518) 388-3415

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YONKERS, N.Y. – Seventy-nine-year-old Antonio Iglesias of Yonkers, Westchester County, began playing Lotto over 30 years ago with the dream of hitting the jackpot.  Iglesias was all smiles when the New York Lottery’s Jenny Garcia presented him with his $2,900,000 Lotto jackpot prize check at the Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway.  The newly minted millionaire had some sound advice for other Lotto players.

“You have to be in it to win it,” said Iglesias.  “I started playing Lotto when the game first came out.  I won some smaller prizes in the past, but nothing like this.  I guess I was right to stick with it all these years.” 

Iglesias’s Quick Pick ticket was the only one statewide to match all six numbers drawn for the July 13 drawing.  “I checked my ticket on Monday after the drawing and the scanner said ‘Big Winner,’” he explained.  “I said ‘holy cow’ and then signed it right away!”

The winning numbers for the July 13 Lotto drawing were 2 9 14 16 23 27 and bonus number 49.

Iglesias opted to receive his jackpot prize in one lump sum payment totaling $1,824,816 before required withholdings. His net check will total $1,183,521.

Iglesias said his only plan for his winnings is to share it with family.  “I worked very hard my entire life.  I will use the money to help out my children and grandchildren so maybe they won’t have to work as hard as I did.” 

When asked if he will continue playing Lotto now that he won the jackpot, Iglesias was very matter of fact.  “You better believe it!” 

Iglesias is New York State’s 82^nd Lottery millionaire in 2013.

The New York Lottery contributed $70,858,076.81 in Lottery Aid To Education to school districts throughout Westchester 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.