Queens Man Scores Big in New York Lottery’s Cash4Life Game
A life-changing moment came for Leon Cooke of Springfield Gardens when he matched five numbers in the New York Lottery’s Cash4Life game, snagging the “$1,000 A Week For Life” second prize.
Cooke’s winning ticket, purchased at Valley Gas & Repair in Valley Stream (just 6 miles from Jamaica, Queens), turned out to be a jackpot pick. The numbers for the November 3, 2025 drawing were: 09, 10, 16, 38, 51, with a Cash Ball of 01.
Instead of taking the weekly payments, Cooke opted for the cash value option, walking away with a one-time lump sum of $612,240 after required withholdings. Not too shabby!
Fun fact: The Cash4Life game continues to make a huge impact across New York. During the 2024–2025 fiscal year:
- $110 million in total Cash4Life ticket sales
- $250 million+ in Lottery Aid to Education for Nassau County schools
Overall, the New York Lottery is North America’s largest and most profitable lottery system, contributing $3.6 billion in 2024–2025 to support public education statewide.
If you or someone you know struggles with gambling, help is available: visit NYProblemGamblingHelp.org, call the HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369), or text HOPENY (467369). Standard text rates may apply.
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