Lucky switch lands Pennsylvania man massive $3 million Lottery prize

By
September 9, 2026
1 min read
Lottery winning jackpot, money.
Lottery winning jackpot, money.

Dave Sabol Jr. abandoned his usual machine because another customer was using it then bought the scratch-off that ended his 35-year career

ERIE, PA – A last-second switch at an Erie County convenience store changed Dave Sabol Jr.’s life when another customer occupied his usual Lottery machine, sending him to a different one where he bought a scratch-off worth $3 million.

The 57-year-old Erie County man won a top prize on the Pennsylvania Lottery’s $3,000,000 Golden Ticket scratch-off.

Lucky switch lands pennsylvania man massive $3 million lottery prize
Photo: lucky switch lands pennsylvania man massive $3 million lottery prize

Lottery officials presented Sabol with a commemorative check Wednesday at the Pennsylvania Lottery’s Erie office.

The unlikely chain of events began Aug. 7 at Country Fair, located at 76 North Main Street in Union City.

Sabol typically bought his tickets from the same Lottery machine during visits to the store. This time, another customer was already using it.

He moved to another machine and purchased a $30 Golden Ticket scratch-off.

That ticket carried a $3 million top prize.

Sabol immediately told his wife, Joan, about the win. She checked the ticket using the Pennsylvania Lottery’s official app, but the couple still took it back to Country Fair for confirmation.

The retailer verified the $3 million win and will receive a $10,000 bonus for selling the ticket.

Sabol kept the winning ticket secured over the weekend while deciding how to handle the windfall. He contacted a lawyer friend, who advised him to speak with a financial planner.

The prize also brought an abrupt end to Sabol’s working career.

After more than 35 years working in a heavy industrial machine shop, Sabol decided to retire following the win.

He and his wife now plan to build their dream home and travel around the United States.

The $3,000,000 Golden Ticket is a $30 Pennsylvania Lottery scratch-off offering top prizes of $3 million.

Pennsylvania Lottery scratch-offs are distributed randomly, meaning neither the Lottery nor its retailers know where top-prize tickets will be sold before they are claimed.

Lottery prizes exceeding $5,000 are subject to applicable withholding.

Key Points

  • Dave Sabol Jr., 57, won $3 million after switching from his usual Lottery machine because another customer was using it.
  • The winning $30 scratch-off came from Country Fair on North Main Street in Union City, which will receive a $10,000 selling bonus.
  • After more than 35 years working in a heavy industrial machine shop, Sabol decided to retire and plans to build a dream home and travel with his wife.
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Chris Quigley
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Chris Quigley

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.

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