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An Albany man has become New York’s first top-prize winner in the Lottery’s Millionaire for Life game, with Edward Stack taking home $11,718,001 after required withholdings.
The New York Lottery said Stack matched all six numbers in the May 21 drawing to win the game’s advertised top prize of $1 million a year for life. Instead of the annuity, he chose the one-time $18 million lump-sum option.
The winning numbers were 3, 15, 16, 24, 28 and Millionaire Ball 4.
Winner chose lump sum over annuity
According to the Lottery, the top prize in Millionaire for Life can be paid either as a for-life annuity over a minimum of 20 years or as a one-time lump sum of $18 million. Stack chose the cash option and received $11,718,001 after required withholdings.
Stack told the Lottery that winning felt “great,” and said he plans to invest the money. Asked what advice he had for other players, he said: “Just play.”
Ticket was sold at Richfield Springs Price Chopper
The winning ticket was purchased at the Price Chopper at 1 Main St. in Richfield Springs, about 60 miles east of Syracuse.
The Lottery also noted that the second-prize lump-sum payment in Millionaire for Life is $2.2 million. Drawings are televised daily at 11:15 p.m., and draw game prizes may be claimed up to one year from the date of the drawing.
For broader context, the New York Lottery said it contributed $3.6 billion in fiscal year 2025-2026 to benefit public schools statewide.
Players with gambling-related concerns can find help through New York state resources and national helplines.
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Source: As reported by silive.com.
