Hudson Valley Man Claims $2.5M Lottery Scratch-Off Prize

WARWICK, NY — The Hudson Valley’s newest millionaire received his ceremonial over-sized check Tuesday at the convenience store where he purchased the winning scratch-off ticket. Christopher McManus, 58, of Warwick, bought a “$2,500 a Week for Life” ticket when he was buying a morning cup of coffee and ended up winning the $2.5 million jackpot.

“I stop at the Kwik Mart every day for my coffee and a lottery ticket,” he said. “When I scratched the ticket that day, I had to put my glasses on to make sure I was seeing the right numbers.”

The winning ticket was purchased at Kwik Mart, 10 Oakland Avenue in Warwick.

McManus’ ticket matched 17s earning him the top prize.

“I brought the ticket back inside to show a friend of mine,” he said. “He confirmed that I wasn’t going crazy.”

McManus, who opted to receive a one-time lump sum payment, will receive a net check for $1,304,869 after required withholdings.

He said winning such a large amount is “surreal. I’m not sure it’s really sunk in yet.”

The retired auto appraiser said he’s not sure what his plans are for the winnings, adding that he will invest some of it and buy a new truck.

“I’m not thinking too far ahead at this point,” McManus said.

Lottery officials said he is the 40th New York Lottery player to claim a prize totaling $1 million or more in 2018.

Photo credit: New York Lottery.