A Union City resident’s routine lottery purchase turned into a life-changing moment when a spontaneous decision to use a different lottery vending machine resulted in a $3 million jackpot win.
Dave Sabol Jr., 57, of Union City, claimed the top prize from the Pennsylvania Lottery’s $3,000,000 Golden Ticket Scratch-Off game after purchasing a winning ticket from a machine he does not normally use.
According to the Pennsylvania Lottery, Sabol was visiting the Country Fair located at 76 North Main Street in Union City, on August 7 when he intended to use his regular lottery machine. When another customer was using it, he decided to switch to a different machine and purchased a ticket that ultimately changed his life.
“I usually play the same machine, but somebody was on it, so I just went to the other one,” Sabol recalled. “I scratched it and it said $3 million. I thought, ‘Oh my God, this can’t be right!'”
After discovering the winning ticket, Sabol immediately shared the news with his wife, Joan. Although Joan initially verified the ticket using the Pennsylvania Lottery’s official mobile app, the couple still made the trip to Country Fair to have the ticket confirmed in person.
The win has come at a significant time in Sabol’s life. Having recently begun a new chapter after working for more than three decades in a machine shop, Sabol said the prize money will help fulfill long-held goals.
“We decided it was time to retire,” Sabol said. “I plan to use the prize money to build our dream home and travel throughout the United States.”
Pennsylvania Lottery Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne congratulated Sabol on the remarkable win, noting that lottery proceeds support programs that benefit older Pennsylvanians.
“After more than 50 years, the Pennsylvania Lottery continues to enhance the lives of older adults through funding for transportation services, prescription assistance, senior centers, meals, and other programs,” Browne said.
Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko also praised the winner and recognized the retailer that sold the ticket. As a bonus for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket, Country Fair will receive a $10,000 retailer bonus.
The $3,000,000 Golden Ticket Scratch-Off game costs $30 to play and offers top prizes of $3 million. Lottery officials remind players that Scratch-Off tickets are distributed randomly, meaning retailers do not know where winning tickets will be sold.
The Pennsylvania Lottery additionally highlighted September as Responsible Gaming Education Month, encouraging players to enjoy lottery games responsibly and seek assistance if gambling becomes a concern.
For Sabol, however, one unexpected decision at a convenience store has already delivered a dream outcome, proving that sometimes a small change in routine can lead to an extraordinary reward.