UPPER BROOKVILLE, NY — A group of Long Island area co-workers have claimed the $437 million Mega Millions jackpot for the January 1 drawing, the largest jackpot in New York Lottery history.
The 23-member group has claimed the prize through the New Life 2019, LLC, opting to take the lump sum payment totaling $262,213,914.
They will receive a net check of $176,155,308 after required state and federal withholding.
They have also chosen to remain anonymous.
Representatives of New Life 2019, LLC, said they play the lottery weekly, with each member putting a dollar in an envelope that one member takes to purchase the group's tickets.
The jackpot winning ticket was purchased as part of a New York Lottery $5 Super Pack, and the winning numbers for the drawing were 34, 44, 57, 62, and 70, with Mega Ball number 14.
The Super Pack offers one Quick Pick game for each of New York's jackpot games: Mega Millions, Powerball and Lotto. It is the first time the purchase of a Super Pack has included a winning jackpot ticket.
As they all started showing up for work two days after the drawing, word spread that they won the Mega Millions jackpot.
They said there was a lot of crying, hugging and jumping around that day, and many of the members double and triple checked the ticket in disbelief.
The representatives said that most of the employees will continue working because they view themselves as a family and not just co-workers.
Plans among the New Life group for the winnings include new houses, college funds for their children, and travel.
The winning ticket was purchased at Brookville Auto Service on Route 25A in Glen Head, and the retailer will receive a $10,000 bonus from the New York Lottery for selling the jackpot winning ticket.
Prior to New Life 2019 LLC's $437 million win, the biggest jackpot in New York Lottery history was won by Harold Diamond, of Wurtsboro. The retired elementary school principal was the sole winner of a $326 million Mega Millions jackpot in 2014.
(See Retired NY principal claims $326M lottery jackpot, Lottery Post, Jan. 12, 2015.)
The last New York Mega Millions jackpot winner was Wayne Harris, of Homer, who won $105 million in 2017.
Mega Millions jackpots start out at $40 million and roll over if there is no jackpot winner. Tickets are sold in 44 states plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Anonymously claimed it in New York!! New Life 2019 did what they say can’t be done!!! Fantastic! G5
$7.65 Million each (minus more taxes that will be due) Very nice payday indeed!! ... Congrats to all of you !! Have a wonderful life with your new wealth.
They certainly would miss Yolanda Vega!
Their Attorney Eric Jaffe followed the advice of Cuomo who vetoed legislation allowing anonymity for lottery winners by stating basically get a LLC. This is exactly what they did, good for them.
Not an anonymous state. They formed a LLC. The question now is if NY ever releases the names of the winners.
A quick pick won it for them.
These large pools certainly cut into the size of their checks. Each one will still owe another 13% to the IRS.
Enjoy it while it lasts!
So a $23.00 investment gets one a $176 mil return. Now that's not only great, but sweet!
I keep telling you fine folks, it's the water!!
Congrats on the win!
This was the first Super Pack winner. The Super Pack offers one Quick Pick game for each of New York's jackpot games: Mega Millions, Powerball and Lotto.
On Jan 25, 2019, Lottery Post reported that David Johnson, 56, of Brooklyn, NY won the Dec. 26 drawing of Power Ball for the $298.3 million jackpot with a ticket purchased using Super Pack as well.
Brooklyn truck driver quits job, comes forward as $298M Powerball winner
282 tonight, a Palindrome @ that. (Powerball).
I keep telling you fine folks, it's the water!!
That's what makes our N.Y. bagels taste soooooooooo good!
What fun! I wonder how long it will take for all the names to be "leaked" as someone just wont be able to be quiet in a group that large working among people who didnt play...
Loose lips sink ships. Wonder if any frivolous lawsuits will arise from non-players that particular drawing?
Used to eat my fair share of " Noah's Bagels " out here on the West Coast in my late teens, but they have all but disappeared.West Coast water though..
On 2nd thought, l think they used Fijian water.
Whatever their situation music, taxes in this country are inescapable when talking about the " Lottery. " Like the grim reaper, they come calling, whether you like them or not. I think this group are looking on the bright side: They ending up with more money than they each started off with, and that is not a bad thing,all things considered. I * think it is Weshar who says " $500,000" would set him up for life.Simple times.
The representatives said that most of the employees will continue working because they view themselves as a family and not just co-workers. -
Alert
Money gives people options. Money brings out the real in a person. I give it a year, by then half of the group will resign. Even if half stays that's a stretch.
Yet another Quick Pick wins big. Good thing they were not playing using a "system".
Maybe it's a family-owned-and-operated business.
Example: You promised me you would love me forever, NO MATTER what!
True, until- l don’t need to listen to this, you all can carry on without me, l am done!
Quick Picks are the future.
Congratulations to the winners. May they have financial breathing room for years.
Great job New York! They did on the first day of the year Todd!