A Bronx man got the surprise of a lifetime, winning a $1 million top prize in the New York Lottery’s Million Dollar Raffle drawn on Oct. 26, lottery officials announced.

Willy Guzman Ayala claimed the $1 million prize and opted to receive a one-time lump sum payment totaling $612,247, after required withholdings, according to officials.

The winning ticket was purchased at Fairfield Food, located at 2525 3rd Ave. in the Bronx. The store received a $5,000 bonus for selling a top-prize ticket for the event.

The Million Dollar Raffle was created to commemorate the Erie Canal bicentennial, and Guzman Ayala’s ticket was one of 15 selected to win a $1 million cash prize.

Five of the 15 top-prize tickets were sold in the Bronx. Other Bronx retailers selling $1 million Raffle winners include:

• He & Jay Stationery at 123 Einstein Loop

• Kings Gift Shop at 6 West Kingsbridge Road

• Throgs Neck Petro at 4147 Throgs Neck Expressway

• M&J Liquor at 5302 Broadway

The remaining top-prize winning tickets were sold in Chenango, Dutchess, Genesee, New York, Queens, Schenectady, Suffolk, and Westchester counties.

As of this writing, all top prizes in the Million Dollar Raffle have been claimed. Lower-tier prizes may continue to be claimed through the Lottery’s standard prize claim periods.

The New York Lottery remains North America’s largest and most profitable lottery, contributing $3.6 billion in fiscal year 2024–2025 to benefit public schools across the state.

New Yorkers struggling with a gambling addiction, or who know someone who is, can find help at NYProblemGamblingHelp.org, by calling the state’s confidential HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369), or by texting HOPENY (467369). Standard text rates may apply.

If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.

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