Lottery winner - a big pile of money,
Lottery Winner - A big pile of money.

Tiny upstate New York village explodes with excitement after $18M lottery jackpot hit

by
May 22, 2026
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A life changing Millionaire for Life ticket was sold at a Richfield Springs grocery store

RICHFIELD SPRINGS, N.Y. — One New York Lottery player is suddenly holding a ticket worth $18M after a first-prize-winning Millionaire for Life ticket was sold at a grocery store in the small Otsego County village of Richfield Springs.

The New York Lottery announced the winning ticket for the May 21 Millionaire for Life drawing was purchased at Price Chopper #210, located at 1 Main Street in Richfield Springs.

Lottery officials said the ticket captured the game’s first-prize jackpot worth $18,000,000.

Millionaire for Life drawings are held daily and offer players the chance to win multimillion-dollar top prizes through matching numbers and the Millionaire Ball.

Officials did not immediately release information about the winner or whether the prize has already been claimed.

Winners of New York Lottery draw games have up to one year from the drawing date to claim their prizes.

The New York Lottery said it remains North America’s largest and most profitable lottery, contributing $3.6 billion during the 2024-2025 fiscal year to support public schools across New York State.

Officials also reminded players that help is available for gambling addiction through NYProblemGamblingHelp.org, by calling the confidential HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369), or by texting HOPENY to 467369. Standard text messaging rates may apply.

Players must be 18 or older to participate in New York Lottery games.

Key Points

  • A first-prize Millionaire for Life ticket worth $18M was sold in Richfield Springs
  • The winning ticket was purchased at Price Chopper #210 on Main Street
  • Lottery officials have not yet identified the winner

Chris Quigley

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.

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