A Long Island resident is celebrating a life-changing lottery win. Thomas Rey Tse of Valley Stream recently claimed a $1 million second-prize from the New York Lottery’s Powerball drawing.
? The Winning Moment
Tse secured the big prize after matching the first five numbers in the Powerball drawing held on December 22, 2025.
Winning numbers:
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03
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18
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36
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41
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54
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Powerball: 07
? Lump-Sum Payout
Instead of receiving yearly payments, Tse chose the one-time cash option, taking home $651,000 after required tax withholdings.
? Where the Lucky Ticket Was Sold
The winning ticket was purchased at Shell Gas located at 100 West Merrick Road in Valley Stream, a community on Long Island just east of Jamaica, Queens.
? Powerball’s Big Impact in New York
Powerball continues to be a major driver for lottery sales in the state:
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$327.8 million in Powerball ticket sales during fiscal year 2024–2025
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The New York Lottery remains the largest and most profitable lottery in North America
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It contributed $3.6 billion to support public schools across New York State during that same fiscal year
?? Help for Gambling Problems
Anyone in New York who may be struggling with gambling addiction—or knows someone who is—can reach out for confidential help through the state’s HOPEline or other support resources.
