An Orange County woman just scored a serious win — and it’s the kind that changes everything.

Joan Scites of Godeffroy hit a top prize on New York’s Win $1,000 A Week for Life scratch-off, locking in a guaranteed minimum of $1 million. Instead of stretching it out over time, she chose a one-time lump sum of $458,272 after taxes.

Here’s the quick rundown:

• ?? Winning ticket spot: O’Dells Market in Cuddebackville
• ? About 60 miles north of Manhattan
• ? Payout choice: Lump sum over lifetime payments

Even more exciting? There are still seven top prizes left on this game, so the door is wide open for more big winners.

On the bigger picture:

• The New York Lottery pulled in over $4.3 billion in scratch-off sales for fiscal year 2024–2025
• It also sent a massive $3.6 billion to support public schools

 

Bottom line: one quick stop turned into a huge payday — and there are still plenty of chances out there.

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