Lucky New Yorker Scores $1M Prize in Special Million Dollar Raffle

A lucky ticket turned into a life-changing moment for one New York player.

Dale Davis of Pavilion just scored a $1 million prize from the New York Lottery’s Million Dollar Raffle—and yes, that’s the kind of win most people only dream about.

Here’s the exciting part:

• ? Davis was 1 of just 15 winners picked for the $1,000,000 top prize

• ?? The special raffle draw took place on October 26, 2025, celebrating the Erie Canal’s 200th anniversary

• ? He chose the lump sum payout, walking away with $651,000 after taxes

The winning ticket? It was sold at BW’s Restaurant on Perry Road in Pavilion—a small town about 43 miles east of Buffalo.

But Davis wasn’t the only big winner. Other million-dollar tickets popped up across several areas, including:

• Bronx

• Chenango County

• Dutchess County

• New York County

• Queens

• Schenectady

• Suffolk

• Westchester

Meanwhile, the New York Lottery keeps making a major impact beyond big wins. It remains the largest and most profitable lottery in North America, contributing an impressive $3.6 billion to support public schools across the state during the 2024–2025 fiscal year.

And for anyone facing gambling challenges, confidential help is always available through dedicated state support services.