Full Breakdown
Luzerne County Celebrates New Millionaires from Pennsylvania Lottery
1/6/2026, 5:45:39 AM
Major Lottery Wins in Luzerne County
The Pennsylvania Lottery has welcomed two new millionaires from Luzerne County following the New Year’s Millionaire Raffle drawing held on January 3, 2026. Two tickets, each worth $1 million, were sold in the county, contributing to a total of four top-prize-winning tickets across the state. One of the winning tickets, numbered 00412491, was purchased at Wegmans Food Markets located at 220 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. The other winning ticket was sold at Schiel’s Family Market, 7 George Ave., Wilkes-Barre, which also sold a $1 million-winning Millionaire Loading Scratch-Off ticket.
Overview of the New Year’s Millionaire Raffle
The New Year’s Millionaire Raffle is a popular lottery event in Pennsylvania, offering substantial prizes. In addition to the two $1 million winners from Luzerne County, the January 3 drawing yielded four additional tickets worth $100,000 each, sold in Allegheny, Fayette, Berks, and Montgomery counties. The overall prize pool for this drawing amounted to $5,889,200, which included 100 prizes of $1,000 and 5,892 prizes of $100.
Economic Impact on Local Businesses
The sale of winning lottery tickets can have a positive economic impact on local businesses. Schiel’s Family Market will receive a $5,000 bonus for selling the winning Millionaire Loading Scratch-Off ticket, highlighting the financial benefits that come with lottery sales for retailers.
Official Statements & Responses
The Pennsylvania Lottery has expressed excitement over the new millionaires, emphasizing the joy and community spirit that such wins bring. The lottery organization continues to promote its games as a means of supporting public programs and services across the state.
Criticism & Opposition
While lottery games are often celebrated for their potential to create wealth, critics argue that they can also lead to financial strain for individuals who gamble excessively. Concerns about responsible gaming practices are frequently raised in discussions surrounding state lotteries.
What's Next
As the excitement surrounding the New Year’s Millionaire Raffle continues, the Pennsylvania Lottery is expected to launch additional promotional events and games, aiming to engage more participants and generate further contributions to state-funded programs.
