A quick stop at a South Side GetGo turned a $20 gamble into a $1,000,000 Pennsylvania Lottery win this week, thanks to a lucky "$1,000,000 Winnings" scratch-off ticket. The holder of that ticket now has a few official hoops to jump through before seeing a cent; the store will pocket a retailer bonus for selling the winner, and the final payout will shrink once state and federal taxes take their cut.
Win details and where it was sold
According to CBS Pittsburgh, the ticket was sold at the GetGo on East Carson Street, located at 3247 East Carson Street in Pittsburgh's South Side. The outlet reports that the store will receive a $5,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket. Scratch-off tickets are distributed randomly, so neither the Pennsylvania Lottery nor its retailers know in advance where top prizes will land. Officials also reminded players that prizes over $5,000 are subject to state and federal withholdings.
How to claim and deadlines
Per the Pennsylvania Lottery, anyone holding a winning ticket should immediately sign the back and contact the Lottery at 1-800-692-7481 to start the claims process. The Lottery also notes that scratch-off prizes expire one year from the game’s official end-sale date, which is posted on its website. If you think you have the lucky ticket, those steps and that deadline are critical to preserving your claim.
Where the money goes
The Pennsylvania Lottery directs proceeds to programs that support older Pennsylvanians, including transportation services, prescription assistance, senior centers, and meal programs. The Pennsylvania Lottery reports it has contributed more than $37.2 billion to these efforts since ticket sales began in 1972. For the South Side GetGo, the $5,000 retailer bonus is a modest boost, and the win is another reminder that seven-figure jackpots can pop up in the most everyday spots.
The Lottery typically does not identify winners publicly until they file a claim, and winners are encouraged to review the Lottery’s claims guidance and consider seeking tax advice before making big financial moves. If you suspect you are holding the million-dollar ticket, sign it and contact the Pennsylvania Lottery to get the process rolling.
