A Northampton County man is celebrating a life-changing win after scoring a $1 million prize from a Cash4Life ticket purchased at a Uni-Mart store in Lower Saucon Township.
Chris Pierce, the lucky winner, purchased the ticket for the Friday, Oct. 18 drawing at the convenience store located at 3655 Rt. 378, near Black River Road. A regular customer who stops for coffee and occasional lottery tickets, Pierce said he was in disbelief after scanning his ticket and seeing the message prompting him to file a claim.
Pennsylvania Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne presented lottery winner Chris Pierce with a symbolic check for $1 million at the Uni-Mart on Rt. 378 in Lower Saucon Township Thursday. (Credit: Pennsylvania Lottery)
“When I scanned my ticket, it read something weird, telling me to file a claim. I checked with the clerk. He then checked it and said, ‘Oh my gosh, I think you won $1 million!’” Pierce recounted. “I didn’t believe him and then I kept thinking, ‘He has to be reading that wrong,’” he added.
After confirming the win with friends and the store clerk, Pierce opted for the $1 million cash prize over the annuity option. He will receive an estimated $729,304.38 after federal and state tax withholdings. Pierce said he plans to use the winnings for bill payments and to save toward an early retirement.
“After it all settled down, I went on the website to look and thought, ‘Oh my gosh!’” said Pierce, still in awe of his win.
This is the 17th $1 million prize awarded by Cash4Life in Pennsylvania since the state joined the game in 2015. The multi-state game is also played in New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia.
Pennsylvania Lottery Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne congratulated Pierce and highlighted the role of retailers like Uni-Mart in supporting the state’s senior community.
“We also want to recognize our retailer, Uni-Mart, for selling this Cash4Life winning ticket,” said Browne.
Uni-Mart will earn a $10,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
Since its launch in Pennsylvania, Cash4Life has generated over $244 million in sales, contributing $90.6 million in profits to benefit older Pennsylvanians. Pennsylvania players have won over $89 million in prizes playing the game.
This local news story was reported with generative AI assistance.