Capital District's Newest Lottery Millionaires Introduced

SCHENECTADY, NY (12/06/2012)(readMedia)-- The New York Lottery's Yolanda Vega today presented over-sized prize checks worth at least $3,000,000 to two recent scratch-off winners from Troy and Queensbury.

Troy Man Wins $2,000,000 Top Prize on Monopoly Millionaire Scratch-Off Ticket

Kenneth Stroud, of Troy, Rensselaer County claimed a $2,000,000 Monopoly Millionaire prize at the Schenectady Customer Service Center on November 27. Stroud purchased his winning ticket on November 24 at the Hannaford Supermarket on Route 43 in West Sand Lake. Stroud credits his never-say-never attitude with helping him win the $2,000,000 top prize.

"I purchased one of the same tickets earlier and didn't win," said Stroud. "But, I decided to give it another shot." Stroud said he was at home when he scratched his $2,000,000 winning ticket. "My stomach just dropped when I saw the word 'Jackpot' under my matching number."

Stroud said he carried the ticket around with him for a few days, as he talked to his attorney and sought advice from a financial advisor. "My wife finally convinced me to put the ticket in a safety deposit box until I was ready to claim it," said Stroud.

Stroud will receive his $2,000,000 prize in one lump sum payment, netting him $1,323,600 after required withholdings. Stroud's plans for the money include setting money aside for his children and his retirement.

The New York Lottery contributed $28,397,772.39 in Lottery Aid To Education to school districts throughout Rensselaer County during fiscal year 2011-2012.

Queensbury Resident Wins Big on Win $1,000 A Week For Life Scratch-Off Game

Magan MacDavid, of Queensbury, Warren County claimed a top prize on the Win $1,000 a Week for Life scratch-off game at the Lottery's Schenectady Customer Service Center on November 20. MacDavid purchased her ticket that same day at the Cumberland Farms on Quaker Road in Queensbury.

"I stopped for a cup of coffee on my way to work," explained MacDavid. "While I was there, I decided to buy one of the Win $1,000 A Week For Life tickets as well. I put it in my purse and headed to work."

MacDavid said she scratched her ticket at work but needed some help interpreting the results. "I got confused when I saw the word 'Life' printed on the ticket three times," she said. "I had to ask my boss what it meant. He explained it was a jackpot winner and let me take a few hours off to go claim my prize."

As a top prize winner on the Win $1,000 A Week For Life scratch-off, MacDavid is guaranteed to receive a minimum payment of $1,000,000 over 20 years. Once the $1,000,000 prize has been realized, she will continue to receive an annual check for $52,000 (net $34,414) a year for life.

MacDavid said her plans for her winnings include paying off her student loans and investing for the future.

The New York Lottery contributed $8,693,217.89 in Lottery Aid To Education to school districts throughout Warren County during fiscal year 2011-2012.

About the New York Lottery

The New York Lottery continues to be North America's largest and most profitable Lottery, contributing nearly $2.9 billion in fiscal year 2011-2012 to help support education in New York State. The Lottery's contribution represents nearly 15 percent of total state education aid to local school districts.

New York Lottery revenue is distributed to local school districts by the same statutory formula used to distribute other state aid to education. It takes into account both a school district's size and its income level; larger, lower-income school districts receive proportionately larger shares of Lottery school funding.