Winning the lottery often comes down to luck, timing, and knowing which game to play. From scratch-offs to multi-state draws like Cash4Life, each offers different odds and payout styles. Winners can take their prize as a lump sum or spread it out over time—each choice has its perks depending on taxes, finances, and personal goals.
Take a look at some recent New York Lottery winners and their impressive payouts:
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Jose Pina, Bronx – On July 9, Pina matched five numbers in the Cash4Life draw, winning $1,000 a week for life. He opted for a one-time payout of $612,240 after withholdings. His winning ticket came from Jeffrey Deli Grocery on Valentine Avenue.
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Andrew Dudash, Rochester – On Sept. 9, 2025, Dudash hit the top prize in the $3,000,000 Grande scratch-off game, cashing out $1,334,550 in a lump sum. He bought the ticket at Wegmans in Webster, Monroe County.
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Daniel Phillips, West Monroe – On Sept. 25, 2025, Phillips won the Millionaire Maker scratch-off’s top prize and chose a lump sum of $651,000, purchasing his ticket at Kinney Drugs in Brewerton, Oswego County.
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Abdelfatah Fadili, Brooklyn – On Sept. 26, 2025, Fadili took home $1,304,071 from the Extreme Cash scratch-off, bought at Exxon on Coney Island Avenue.
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Bhav Patel, Williston Park – On Sept. 27, 2025, Patel won the $1,000,000 Cashword Bonus top prize, opting for $442,683 as a one-time payout. His ticket came from Mis Amigos in Jackson Heights.
The New York Lottery isn’t just about big wins for players—it’s a major contributor to education. Last fiscal year, it generated $3.6 billion for public schools, with districts across the five boroughs receiving over $1.4 billion in Lottery Aid to Education funds.
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