CHARLEROI, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Lottery and Giant Penn LLC (Exxon) celebrated a $1 million jackpot win today as officials presented a commemorative check to Michael Matyas, a 70-year-old resident of Washington County. Matyas won the prize from the July 19, 2024, Cash 5 with Quick Cash drawing.
The winning ticket was purchased at the Giant Penn LLC (Exxon) located at 1001 Maple Drive in Charleroi, Washington County. The retailer will receive a $5,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
Matyas, who bought his ticket on the day of the drawing, said he didn’t check it until two days later. “I was very surprised when I checked the ticket that Sunday,” Matyas said. “I had to look at the ticket about 10 times before believing it.”
After realizing his win, Matyas called his twin brother, who lives nearby, and asked him to come over without revealing the reason. “My brother said, ‘Well, he’s either sick or he hit the Lottery,’” Matyas recounted.
Matyas, who retired a decade ago and recently left a part-time job, plans to use his prize money to help his children, pay off bills, and spend more time golfing, a hobby he enjoys. “I’m still taking it all in. This whole experience has been fantastic,” he added.
“Congratulations to Michael on this life-changing prize,” said Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne during the check presentation. “We’d also like to congratulate our retailer, Giant Penn LLC (Exxon), for selling the big Cash 5 winner. Thanks to our loyal players and retailers, the PA Lottery continues to generate proceeds to fund life-sustaining programs and services that our senior population relies upon.”
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Giant Penn LLC (Exxon) manager Cari Mackesy expressed excitement over the win, saying, “We are incredibly excited for him. Our sincerest congratulations to him!”
The Cash 5 with Quick Cash jackpot run began on July 7, 2024, and ended with Matyas’s win on July 19, generating over $3.3 million in sales and an estimated $800,000 in profit for programs benefiting older Pennsylvanians. The game’s record jackpot remains a $3.2 million prize, which was shared by two winners from Schuylkill and Fayette counties in November 2023.