June 26, 2026

Upstate New York man claims $3 million scratch off jackpot

A Fulton County resident won the top prize on a New York Lottery ticket purchased at a Stewart’s Shops in Johnstown.

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — A scratch-off ticket purchased at a convenience store in Fulton County has turned one Upstate New York man into a multimillionaire after he claimed a $3 million top prize from the New York Lottery.

Daniel Nellis of Caroga Lake claimed the top prize on the New York Lottery’s $3,000,000 Cash scratch-off game, lottery officials announced Wednesday.

Nellis chose the lump-sum payment option and received $1,328,043 after required withholdings.

The winning ticket was purchased at Stewart’s Shops, located at 1-19 E. Main St. in Johnstown.

Lottery officials said all top prizes in the $3,000,000 Cash game have now been claimed. Lower-tier prizes on the game remain available through May 21, 2027.

According to the New York Lottery, scratch-off games generated more than $4.3 billion in sales during the 2024-2025 fiscal year, while school districts in Fulton County received more than $13.6 million in Lottery Aid to Education during the same period.

The New York Lottery said it contributed $3.6 billion to public schools statewide during the 2024-2025 fiscal year.


Key Points

  • Daniel Nellis of Caroga Lake claimed a $3 million top prize on the New York Lottery’s $3,000,000 Cash scratch-off game.
  • He received a lump-sum payment of $1,328,043 after required withholdings.
  • The winning ticket was sold at Stewart’s Shops in Johnstown.