A Golden Ticket Moment: Erie County Man Wins $3 Million Pennsylvania Lottery Scratch-Off Prize After Switching from His Favorite Machine

Country Fair Store Manager Joale Jaquith, PA Lottery Winner Dave Sabol, PA Lottery Area Sales Manager AJ Kaye, and Country Fair Area Manager Everett McChesney.
 
Erie, PA – Sometimes it pays off to change things up. For Dave Sabol Jr., choosing a different Lottery machine than his usual favorite led to a $3 million prize!
 
The 57-year-old Erie County man was presented today with a commemorative check from the Pennsylvania Lottery for winning a top prize on the $3,000,000 Golden Ticket Scratch-Off. The check presentation took place at the Pennsylvania Lottery’s Erie Office.
 
Sabol said he bought the ticket at his usual spot, Country Fair, 76 North Main St., Union City, and typically plays the same machine during his visits. But when another customer was using his favorite machine on August 7, he decided to switch things up.
 
He walked over to another machine and purchased a ticket that turned out to be worth $3 million.
 
“I usually play the same machine, but somebody was on it, so I just went to the other one,” said Sabol. “I scratched it and it said $3 million. I thought, ‘Oh my God, this can’t be right!’”
 
Sabol said he immediately told his wife, Joan, about the big prize.
 
Even though Joan checked the ticket using the PA Lottery Official App, Sabol still decided to take it to Country Fair to have the win verified. The ticket was confirmed as a $3 million winner, and the retailer will receive a $10,000 selling bonus.  
 
Sabol said he kept the ticket safe over the weekend while deciding what to do next. He first contacted a friend who is a lawyer and advised him to speak with a financial planner.
 
The win also marked the beginning of a new chapter for Sabol, who had worked for more than 35 years in a heavy industrial machine shop. After learning he had won, Sabol decided it was time to retire.
 
Sabol said he and Joan plan to use the prize money to build their dream home and travel throughout the United States.
 
“I haven’t been able to wipe the smile off my face,” he said.
 
“Congratulations to Dave on this remarkable $3 million Pennsylvania Lottery win,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne. “After more than 35 years of hard work, we’re thrilled to celebrate this exciting moment with Dave and Joan as they begin their retirement together. Thanks to players like Dave, every Pennsylvania Lottery ticket purchased helps support programs that benefit older Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth, including transportation and care services, prescription assistance, and local services such as senior centers and meals.”
 
“On behalf of the Pennsylvania Lottery, I want to extend my sincere congratulations to Dave and Joan on this extraordinary win,” said Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko. “Dave’s decision to try a different Lottery machine is a great reminder that winning Lottery tickets can turn up anywhere, and it only takes one ticket to win. I’d also like to thank Country Fair for its continued partnership. Our retailers play an important role in serving our players and supporting the Lottery’s mission of benefiting older Pennsylvanians.”
 
$3,000,000 Golden Ticket is a $30 game that offers top prizes of $3 million. Players can learn more about the game by visiting the Lottery’s website or downloading the Official App. 
 
Scratch-Offs are distributed at random, meaning the Pennsylvania Lottery and its retailers do not know where winning tickets will be sold. The Lottery learns where winning tickets are sold only after a prize has been claimed.
 
All Lottery prizes more than $5,000 are subject to applicable withholding. Visit palottery.com to review rules, chances of winning and learn how to play our traditional and online games.

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