Game of thrones lottery prize lands erie county man $76k — money big ID 57227973 © Dennis Thompson | Dreamstime.com

Game of Thrones lottery fan wins $76K in epic Napa Valley adventure

Erie County, PA – A Pennsylvania Lottery player from Erie County turned a fantasy-themed getaway into a real-world windfall after winning $76,786 in a Game of Thrones™ second-chance prize trip — complete with medieval jousting, luxury accommodations, and a million-dollar group prize.

Rob Reno, 54, a longtime fan of the hit series and an Army veteran, was one of 44 winners selected through the PA Lottery’s Game of Thrones™ promotion. He entered using non-winning scratch-off tickets and the online version of the game. When he saw “Robert R., Erie County” listed among the winners, he hoped it was him. Moments later, the official confirmation email arrived.

Reno and his wife, Molly, traveled to Napa Valley, California, for a three-night stay at the Meritage Resort & Spa, where guests enjoyed gourmet meals, excursions, and a full-scale fantasy experience. The highlight came at the SEVEN KINGDOMS EXPERIENCE, held at Castello di Amorosa — a medieval-style castle — where guests cheered on the fictional houses they were assigned while watching a live joust.

Reno’s assigned group, House Targaryen, ultimately claimed the grand prize — a $1 million group win that awarded him $76,786. “It really was epic,” Reno said. “I shed a few tears, and they weren’t tears of sadness.”

A devoted Game of Thrones™ fan with a Stark direwolf tattoo, Reno now plans to get a second tattoo featuring the Targaryen three-headed dragon to commemorate the experience.

Reno works in finance at a local water utility and is a former volunteer firefighter, EMT, and avid karaoke fan. He also plays softball with the Erie Codgers 50+ league and has been a longtime fan of themed PA Lottery games like Stranger Things and Jurassic Park.

—

Key Points

Rob Reno of Erie County, PA, won $76,786 in a Game of Thrones™ second-chance lottery trip
The prize came as part of a $1 million group win during an immersive event in Napa Valley
Reno, a longtime fan, celebrated with fellow winners at a medieval-style castle

Chris Quigley Latest posts

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News