One scratch-off ticket at a neighborhood BP in Armstrong County just turned into a lifetime payday: $1 million a year, every year, for as long as the winner lives.
Pennsylvania Lottery officials say the jackpot ticket for the $50 “1,000,000 a Year for Life” scratch-off was sold at the BP on Buffalo Street in Freeport Borough. The winner, who has not yet been publicly identified, is now entitled to $1 million annually for life, and the store that sold the ticket will collect a $100,000 bonus for handing over the golden slip, according to a statement reported by CBS Pittsburgh.
How the payout works
The $50 “1,000,000 a Year for Life” scratch-off gives the winner a choice: take the $1 million yearly payments or opt for a one-time cash payout of roughly $14.5 million, before withholding, according to WTAE. As always, prizes over $5,000 are subject to both state and federal taxes.
Freeport's lucky streak
This is not the first time that little BP on Buffalo Street has played host to a life-altering win. In June 2024, Pennsylvania Lottery officials showed up at the same Freeport retailer with a $1 million commemorative check, as reported by the Butler Eagle. That earlier winner described the experience as bittersweet, a reminder that sudden windfalls can come with emotional fine print.
How to claim
Whoever is holding this latest winning ticket is urged to sign the back immediately and call the Pennsylvania Lottery at 1-800-692-7481 to start the claims process, in line with the Lottery’s official winners guide. Scratch-off prizes expire one year from the game’s end-of-sale date, and larger wins require filing claim forms and additional documentation. Full rules and all necessary forms are available through the Pennsylvania Lottery.
