The turn of the year brought fortune and disbelief to a couple of Virginia residents as the Virginia Lottery’s New Year’s Millionaire Raffle turned them into overnight millionaires. Scott Nalevanko from Leesburg, a longstanding participant in the raffle, was astounded to discover that he had won a $1 million jackpot. His ticket, bought at a local 7-Eleven on East Market Street in Leesburg, was among the several he purchased each year, some of which serve as festive gifts for others.
After learning that a winning ticket was sold at a 7-Eleven in Leesburg, Nalevanko exclaimed to lottery officials, “You’ve got to be kidding me!” The address of the store confirmed his ticket as the winner, a moment of serendipity that left him in awe. On January 2nd, Nalevanko claimed his prize, joining the league of five mega winners in the highly-anticipated annual event.
Adding to the thrill, another winner, Jerome T. from Fredericksburg, lived a vacation dream when he found out about his windfall. While unwinding on a New Year’s cruise in the Caribbean, Jerome checked the lottery results online only to be greeted by the life-changing news. The revelation was so shocking that his wife couldn’t contain her excitement and, according to Jerome, “screamed and fell off the bed.” The reality of the win is something he’s still trying to comprehend.
The New Year’s Millionaire Raffle is a computer-generated game that offers a tantalizing chance at fortune for those who partake. A ticket, which this year ran from October 31st, 2023, through to New Year’s Day, cost $20 and was the entry point to potentially becoming one of the lucky winners. With odds of one in 618 to win any prize and a rare one in 125,000 to snag the coveted $1 million jackpot, participants hold their breath in hopes of starting the new year with a significant monetary boost.
In addition to the millionaire winners, seven tickets were lucky enough to claim $100,000 each, and they were scattered across various locations including Henrico, Lynchburg, Manassas, Poquoson, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, and Yorktown. Additionally, a significant number of 1,000 tickets walked away with $500 each, ensuring a wider spread of joy and wealth among the players.
For those wishing to try their luck, tickets could be conveniently purchased in person at local gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Some airport terminals have also joined the fray in offering lottery tickets, making them accessible for travelers as well.
Furthermore, advancements in technology have made the purchasing of lottery tickets even more convenient. Through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, tickets could be ordered online in numerous states and territories, including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. Jackpocket enables users to select their numbers, place their orders, view their tickets, and collect winnings all from the comfort of their phone or home computer.
While games such as these offer excitement and potential economic benefits, players are reminded that they must be of legal age to participate and are encouraged to gamble responsibly. Resources for those with gambling problems are widely available, with numerous hotlines and support systems set up to offer help.
As the winners make plans for their newfound wealth, the Virginia Lottery’s New Year’s Millionaire Raffle has once again proven to be a highlight of the year for many, providing thrilling anticipation and life-changing moments for the lucky winners.
