A New York man who struck it big with a scratch-off lottery ticket died just weeks after he claimed the prize.
It was a lucky start to 2018 for 51-year-old Donald Savastano, a Queens native who was living upstate in Sidney. He played the New York Lottery's "Merry Millionaire" game and won $1 million.
"This is going change our lives, to tell you the truth," Savastano said when he picked up his winnings.
The self-employed carpenter shared some plans he had in mind for how he was going to spend the money, saying most of it was going to fund his retirement.
"I'm probably going to go get a new truck and I don't know probably go on vacation," Savastano said.
The plans also included a trip to the doctor, because he couldn't afford to go previously.
"He was self-employed," said Danielle Scott, who works at the store where he bought the winning ticket. "He didn't have insurance, he hadn't been feeling good for a while, I guess, and when he got the money he went into the doctor."
The news wasn't good. He learned he had stage four cancer.
"He had a friend come and talk to me, and they told me that he was very sick and that he had brain and lung cancer and that he was in the hospital and they didn't think he was gonna make it," Scott said.
Savastano died Friday, 23 days after he won the lottery.
"I was hoping that the money was maybe going to save his life," Scott said.
Savastano's obituary said he was born in Queens and grew up on Long Island. He became a carpenter after working with and learning from his father as a child.
"He was known for his high-quality work and perfectionism. He always tried to reach out and help those he could by teaching them "the right way to do things," his family wrote in the obituary.
Showing posts with label New York Lottery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New York Lottery. Show all posts
February 01, 2018
July 05, 2012
New York Lottery adds Gaming Terminals to Bars
Bars throughout New York are introducing bingo-style terminals, under new laws passed by Governor Andrew Cuomo earlier this year.
The New York lottery, who has placed 92 terminals since April, is targeting about 500 bars and pubs throughout the State for Quick Draw video terminals.
Cuomo lifted restrictions on gaming terminals in bars and pubs as part of an effort to improve the state’s budget and introduce much needed revenue to government coffers. Bars in back streets will bring the flashing lights of casinos into the drunken atmosphere, with maximum convenience for players.
“Customers get the same thrill of gambling without having to drive to the casino,” said Richard Keeler, owner of a neighbourhood tavern in New York.
The game Quick Draw resembles the casino game keno and “the most addictive form of gambling,” according to Donald Trump, he said, “The record shows that the biggest losers of all will be the poor and minority communities. When you add it all up, the social costs far outweigh the potential tax revenues.”
Players simply select numbers and hope their numbers are paired with the drawing numbers displayed on the screen. Wagers in New York’s version start at $1, players can pay with cash or credit cards and have the opportunity to win up to $100,000. The games can be offered during all hours, expect for half and hour in the early mornings.
In 1995, a law was passed which allowed keno in New York bars, which made approximately 25 percent of revenues from the sale of food. Andrew Cuomo is the first governor to successfully permit terminals in a bar that does not sell food.
“People got more comfortable than they had in the past with gambling, helped by the larger messaging about casinos,” said Scott Wexler, speaking for a pro-gambling group in New York, “Once lawmakers agreed to allow seven casinos, why not take the revenue from Quick Draw?”
The expansion of gaming terminals throughout bars and non-food establishments in New York is expected to raise $22m annually, said a government spokesperson.
The New York lottery, who has placed 92 terminals since April, is targeting about 500 bars and pubs throughout the State for Quick Draw video terminals.
Cuomo lifted restrictions on gaming terminals in bars and pubs as part of an effort to improve the state’s budget and introduce much needed revenue to government coffers. Bars in back streets will bring the flashing lights of casinos into the drunken atmosphere, with maximum convenience for players.
“Customers get the same thrill of gambling without having to drive to the casino,” said Richard Keeler, owner of a neighbourhood tavern in New York.
The game Quick Draw resembles the casino game keno and “the most addictive form of gambling,” according to Donald Trump, he said, “The record shows that the biggest losers of all will be the poor and minority communities. When you add it all up, the social costs far outweigh the potential tax revenues.”
Players simply select numbers and hope their numbers are paired with the drawing numbers displayed on the screen. Wagers in New York’s version start at $1, players can pay with cash or credit cards and have the opportunity to win up to $100,000. The games can be offered during all hours, expect for half and hour in the early mornings.
In 1995, a law was passed which allowed keno in New York bars, which made approximately 25 percent of revenues from the sale of food. Andrew Cuomo is the first governor to successfully permit terminals in a bar that does not sell food.
“People got more comfortable than they had in the past with gambling, helped by the larger messaging about casinos,” said Scott Wexler, speaking for a pro-gambling group in New York, “Once lawmakers agreed to allow seven casinos, why not take the revenue from Quick Draw?”
The expansion of gaming terminals throughout bars and non-food establishments in New York is expected to raise $22m annually, said a government spokesperson.
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