Small store stop in ronkonkoma just paid off big with lottery win

That random Ronkonkoma purchase just exploded into cash

RONKONKOMA, N.Y. — A routine midday stop at a local shop has turned into a surprise payday for one Long Island lottery player.

A top-prize TAKE 5 ticket worth $18,789.50 was sold at Sai Card & Gift on Portion Road for the Saturday, March 28 midday drawing, according to the New York Lottery.

The win came from the TAKE 5 game, where players match numbers drawn from a pool of 1 through 39 — a simple format that can still deliver solid five-figure payouts.

While the prize wasn’t in the millions, it’s still a significant hit from a quick purchase that likely took just seconds.

No details about the winner have been released.

TAKE 5 drawings are held twice daily, giving players multiple chances each day to land a prize.

For one Ronkonkoma player, this particular draw turned an ordinary moment into a cash win that’s hard to ignore.

Key Points

$18,789.50 TAKE 5 winning ticket sold in Ronkonkoma
Purchased at Sai Card & Gift on Portion Road
Winner not publicly identified

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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