Waterford Man's Success on the Set For Life Scratch-Off Ticket Continues with $5,000,000 Win

WATERFORD, NY (07/12/2012)(readMedia)-- Stanley Muraski has played the Set For Life scratch-off ticket for years and has one simple reason for that dedication. "I always seem to win on that ticket," said the 80- year-old retiree from Waterford. Muraski's winning ways continued earlier this month when his matching numbers earned him the jackpot prize guaranteeing him a $5,000,000 payday.

"I won $10 on a Set For Life ticket earlier that morning. I went in to cash it and decided to buy another one with the winnings. I guess I made the right decision," he explained.

Muraski purchased his ticket on July 2 at the Stewart's Shops on Hudson River Road in Waterford. He claimed his $5,000,000 prize hours later at the Lottery's Customer Service Center in Schenectady.

The top prize on the Set For Life ticket guarantees a minimum payout of $5,000,000 to be paid over 20 years. Muraski will receive his $5,000,000 in 19 annual payments of $260,000 (net $172,068) and one additional payment of $60,000 (net $39,708). After that, he will continue to receive an annual net payment of $172,068 for the rest of his life.

"I never really thought I would actually hit the big one, so this is very exciting," admitted Muraski. "My plans for the money are pretty standard. Pay off some bills and help friends and family. But, there is one thing I've always wanted to do. I've always wanted to travel to Rome, Italy, and wake up in the morning and hear the church bells. I think that dream will finally come true."

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.

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