NEW YORK, N.Y. – The New York Lottery’s Gretchen Dizer doled out $5,000,000 in Lottery prize checks at the Lottery’s New York City Customer Service Center today.  The winners won their millions on a mix of scratch-off and Powerball tickets, including a trio of Powerball players who call themselves “The Powerball Ladies.”

Self-proclaimed “Powerball Ladies” win $1,000,000 prize

Irma Diaz, Nilda Rodriguez, both of Manhattan and Belinda Evans of Tamiment, PA, have been playing Powerball and Mega Millions together for just over a year.  “The Powerball Ladies” chose to play Powerball on February 6 because the jackpot was higher than Mega Millions.  The choice paid off to the tune of $1,000,000 when their Quick Pick ticket matched the first five numbers from that night’s drawing.

“Whenever we girls get together we play whichever game has the highest jackpot, which just so happened to be Powerball that day,” explained Diaz.  “I checked our ticket the day after the drawing online and I couldn’t believe my eyes.  I told myself there must be something wrong with the web site!”

Diaz purchased the group’s ticket on February 6 at the JJ Food Market on East 99^th Street in Manhattan.  The $1,000,000 Powerball second-prize is paid as a one-time lump sum.  After required withholdings Diaz and Rodriguez will each receive a net check totaling $207,680.  Evans’ net check will total $220,600.

The lucky winners’ plans for their newfound wealth include sharing with their children, helping with college tuitions and family vacations.

The winning numbers from the February 6 Powerball drawing were 5 – 27 – 36 – 38 – 41 Powerball 12.

Manhattan Man buys $1,000,000 Powerball ticket while picking out a Valentine’s Day card for his wife

Robert Antar of Manhattan made a quick stop for his wife’s Valentine’s Day Card on his way home from work on February 5.  While in the store he decided to buy a Powerball Quick Pick ticket for the following night’s drawing.  Antar’s lucky ticket matched the first five numbers drawn, earning the 69-year-old a $1,000,000 payday.

“I only play the Lottery once or twice a month,” said Antar.  “When I do play I buy either Powerball or Mega Millions tickets.  When I saw that I matched the first five numbers I didn’t know what the prize amount was, but I knew it must be something good.”

Antar purchased his winning ticket on February 5 at New Golden Greetings on Hudson Street in Manhattan.  The $1,000,000 Powerball second-prize is paid as a one-time lump sum. Antar will receive a net check totaling $623,040 after required withholdings. 

“To be honest I really don’t know what I’ll do with the money.  It hasn’t settled in yet that I won,” he explained.

The winning numbers from the February 6 Powerball drawing were 5 – 27 – 36 – 38 – 41 Powerball 12.

Occasional Lottery Player from Staten Island hits $1,000,000 Powerball Prize

Michael Simmons, 47, of Staten Island admits he rarely buys Lottery tickets.  February 8 turned out to be the right day to buy a Powerball ticket.  Simmons matched the first five numbers from the February 9 drawing earning the infrequent player a $1,000,000 win.

“I maybe play $10 a month,” explained Simmons.  “I normally only play when the jackpots get really high.  I felt lucky that day so I decided to play Powerball.  I was actually pretty calm when I realized I just won a $1,000,000.”

Simmons purchased his winning ticket on February 8 at the Jay and Jay on Unionport Boulevard in the Bronx.  The $1,000,000 Powerball second-prize is paid as a one-time lump sum. Simmons will receive a net check totaling $623,040 after required withholdings. 

“I know I didn’t hit the jackpot, but a million dollars will be a really nice cushion.  I’ll use the money to help with tuition costs for my children,” said Simmons.

The winning numbers from the February 9 Powerball drawing were 5 – 6 – 16 – 36 – 58 Powerball 3.

Shanghai native now living in Queens hits $1,000,000 Powerball prize on a $2 Quick Pick

Yu Zhu of Flushing, Queens plays Powerball once a week and specifically went to the store to purchase a $2 Quick Pick ticket for the February 16 drawing.  Zhu’s lone set of Quick Pick numbers had the winning combination that earned the Chinese restaurant manager a $1,000,000 payday.

“I was excited and very happy when I realized I won.  It is unbelievable,” Zhu said of his win with the help of a translator.

Zhu purchased his winning ticket on February 14 at Heng Li Grocery on Grand Street in Manhattan.  The $1,000,000 Powerball second-prize is paid as a one-time lump sum. Zhu will receive a net check totaling $623,040 after required withholdings.  He plans to purchase a new apartment with his winnings.

The winning numbers from the February 16 Powerball drawing were 15 – 16 – 46 – 50 – 58 Powerball 29.

“Fluke” Scratch-Off purchase turns into $1,000,000 jackpot win

Angela Williams of Harlem randomly decided to buy a couple of scratch-off tickets during her lunch break on February 22.  The random purchase made her an instant millionaire.  Williams won the $1,000,000 top prize on the aptly named Instant Jackpot scratch-off game.

“It was a fluke,” explained the 52-year-old.  “I don’t know why I chose that day to play, but I’m sure glad I did!” exclaimed Williams.

Williams purchased her jackpot winning ticket on February 22 at Pank Shah Newsstand on Broadway in Manhattan.  The $1,000,000 top prize on the Instant Jackpot scratch-off game is paid as an annuity. Williams will receive 20 annual payments of $31,152 after required withholdings.

“I scratched the ticket on my way back to work and I just stopped dead,” said Williams.  “The money will help me pay off my bills and buy a new house.”

The New York Lottery contributed $1,110,484,399.89 in Lottery Aid To Education to school districts throughout the five boroughs during fiscal year 2011-2012.

About the New York Lottery

The New York Lottery continues to be North America’s largest and most profitable Lottery, contributing nearly $2.9 billion in fiscal year 2011-2012 to help support education in New York State.  The Lottery’s contribution represents nearly 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.

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