Nick P., a single father from Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, has won $1 million on a $20 scratch-off ticket called Millionaire Maker. He bought the ticket while waiting for a prescription refill at a local pharmacy.
Nick, who has worked as a car mechanic for nearly 20 years, said he was speechless when he revealed his win. “I couldn’t believe it,” he told Pennsylvania lottery officials. His first thought was about his two children, feeling relief and excitement for their future.
Balancing work and parenting, Nick said he often spends his days cleaning the house and driving his kids to hockey practice. With his winnings, he plans to save for the future and possibly take family vacations.
On March 29, 2023, lottery officials and staff from AccuServ Pharmacy presented Nick with his $1 million check. The store also received a $5,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
Scratch-off wins often surprise players. In Missouri, a man turned a $20 ticket into $2 million and immediately called his wife to share the news. In Virginia, a woman discovered she won the New Year’s Lottery while on a trip, screaming with joy. She plans to invest her prize in a business.
Experts remind players to gamble responsibly and only spend what they can afford. Help is available for those facing gambling problems through the National Gambling Hotline at 1-800-522-4700.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Sun reports that several lottery prizes remain unclaimed across the country, including million-dollar raffles and major jackpots. One Iowa liquor store customer may be sitting on a life-changing win without knowing it.
