Pennsylvania Medial Workers Win Million Dollar Jackpot And Split It
A group of UPMC medical workers were awarded a $1 million Mega Millions check from the Pennsylvania Lottery.
MCKEAN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Fifteen medical workers from UPMC, known as the "Million Dollar Medicals", recently won a $1 million Mega Millions check from the Pennsylvania Lottery.
The group had been playing together for almost 20 years. Five of them started playing initially, and it grew from there.
Claiming The Prize
Jackie Burdick spoke on behalf of the group and shared that she usually collects money from her coworkers to buy Lottery tickets. They decided to buy a ticket on the day of the draw, and it turned out to be their lucky day.
“This is the first time we won!” said Burdick. “I’m usually the one who collects the money from my co-workers to play the Lottery. We made a last-minute decision to play that day.”
Burdick was at a doctor's appointment when she saw the news that someone from Smethport won the jackpot. She received a call from a family member to check their ticket.
“I was at a doctor’s appointment in Pittsburgh when I saw on the news that someone won $1 million. Then a family member called me and said, ‘Someone in Smethport won! You better check your ticket.’ I was like, ‘I better check,’” she told the PA Lottery.
She used the PA Lottery app to scan the ticket, which instructed her to visit a retailer. At the retailer, they received the good news that they won $1 million.
“When I scanned it at a retailer it showed, ‘Congratulations you won $1 million!’ I thought, ‘Oh my gosh this can’t be real. I have to call these girls!’” she said.
Each member of the group has received a check for an estimated $48,600, after taxes. Burdick plans to use her portion to support her family and enjoy a nice vacation.
“I think I’ll spend my portion of the prize on my kids, grandkids and a nice vacation,” Burdick added.
Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director
The Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko congratulated the group for their win and appreciated all medical workers. He also highlighted that pool play is a responsible and affordable way to play the Lottery.
“We always say, it only takes one ticket to win, and their last-minute decision certainly paid off,” said Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko. “We appreciate all medical workers and congratulate this group for winning this prize. Pool play is a terrific way to play responsibly and within your means.”