A routine stop at a Pittsburgh hospital just turned into a seven-figure surprise for one very lucky visitor. A Pennsylvania Lottery scratch-off worth $1.5 million was sold at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh, according to local station WPXI. The top-prize Cash Spectacular ticket will also earn the hospital a $10,000 retailer bonus. The winning player has not been publicly identified and has up to a year to claim the prize.
As reported by WPXI, the ticket was sold at Magee, and the hospital will receive a $10,000 bonus for selling a top-prize ticket. WPXI's story, published today, notes that the Lottery confirmed the retailer location and prize level.
How the Lottery Finds Winning Locations
The Pennsylvania Lottery distributes scratch-off tickets randomly among its network of retailers and typically only knows where a winning ticket was sold once a prize is claimed. Per the Pennsylvania Lottery, winners should sign the back of a winning ticket and contact the Lottery to begin the claims process.
About the Cash Spectacular Game
Cash Spectacular is a $30 instant game with multiple $1.5 million top prizes; print statistics compiled by Win PA Lottery show several top-tier prizes were still listed earlier this year. According to Win PA Lottery, the game's published odds and "prizes remaining" data help put a big payout like this in context.
Other Big Scratch-Off Wins Around the State
Statewide announcements this season have produced several multi-million dollar scratch-off payouts, and in January, three winning scratch-off tickets totaling $7.5 million were reported across Pennsylvania. 6abc aggregated those winner notices, underscoring that top prizes can turn up at convenience stores, gas stations, and occasionally hospital shops.
What Winners Should Do Next
If you think you hold the winning ticket, immediately sign the back and call the Pennsylvania Lottery at 1-800-692-7481 or visit the Pennsylvania Lottery for claim instructions and documentation requirements. Scratch-off prizes must be claimed within one year of the game's end-sale date, and prizes over $5,000 are subject to state and federal withholding.
