While many were nestled in beds with visions of sugar-plums, one Long Island local's dreams may have turned to fortunes after purchasing a ticket that won the New York LOTTO's $13.9 million jackpot. The golden ticket was sold at Lovely Cards and Gifts located at 416 South Oyster Bay Road in Hicksville, where the numbers 4, 11, 23, 38, 41, 49 - and Bonus Number 26, aligned perfectly for one lucky winner during the Dec. 24 drawing, as reported by ABC7 New York.
The newfound millionaire has yet to step forward but has a full year to claim the prize, and as the stars shined brightly for New Yorkers that night, another pair of tickets sold in the state hit the jackpot with $1 million each in the Powerball draw; those were picked up at Ultra Gas Station in Lindenhurst and Smiley's Stop N Shop in Sidney, Delaware County, adding a sparkle to the holiday glee.
As details emerge, what's known is further corroborated by FOX 5 New York who confirmed that nine other tickets also matched five of the winning numbers, netting the holders a sweet $2,093 prize meanwhile, the jackpot winner is advised to visit a New York Lottery Customer Service Center or Prize Claim Center with their winning ticket, a completed Winner Claim Form, along with proper identification to secure their windfall.
The LOTTO draw shares the spotlight with another big win, as a Powerball ticket in Arkansas snagged a $1.8 billion jackpot, marking it as the fourth-largest lottery prize in U.S. history a milestone that overshadows even the most optimistic holiday wishes. As this fortune unfolds, New Yorkers have the next drawing to look forward to on a forthcoming Saturday night, with the jackpot resetting to an estimated $2 million.
While most of us weigh the odds, debate the purchase of a ticket, or simply stand in awe of such luck, it's important to remember that New York insists on transparency for jackpot winners of prizes over $5,000 - they can't remain anonymous; however, legislative efforts are in place potentially to alter that narrative, and provide winners with the option of keeping their newfound status under wraps.
