Pennsylvania Lottery Player Wins $1.5M Super Star Scratch-Off Prize
Clara Williams 
The Pennsylvania Lottery announced that 86-year-old Rita Franczyk claimed a $1.5 million top prize from the $1,500,000 Super Star scratch-off game. Franczyk secured the seven-figure windfall after purchasing a $30 ticket at a Giant Eagle supermarket in Allegheny Township.
Key Takeaways:
- Rita Franczyk won $1.5 million on a $30 scratch-off ticket.
- The winning instant ticket was sold at Giant Eagle in Allegheny Township.
- The retailer receives a $10,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
$1,500,000 Super Star Ticket Purchase Details
Franczyk purchased the winning instant ticket during a routine stop for household essentials, including coffee, milk, and prescriptions. While she typically purchases $5 scratch-off games rather than participating in online lottery games, she opted for the $30 $1,500,000 Super Star ticket because she liked its visual design. Her initial purchase yielded a $50 prize, prompting her to buy a second ticket during a subsequent visit to the store.
This second ticket revealed the $1.5 million top prize. "That second ticket turned out to be the big winner! I called my daughter right way and said, ‘According to the store, I’m a millionaire!’" Franczyk stated. Her daughter initially required convincing before realizing the win was legitimate.
Franczyk, a former interior designer and bridal shop modeler who paints children's faces at local festivals, plans to use the prize money to purchase a new home. She and her daughter were recently forced to temporarily relocate from their apartment due to a burst pipe.
Giant Eagle Retailer Bonus and Partnership
The winning ticket was sold at the Giant Eagle located at 41 Towne Center Drive in Allegheny Township, a retail location Franczyk frequents. As a result of the transaction, the supermarket will receive a $10,000 bonus commission from the Pennsylvania Lottery for selling the winning top-prize ticket.
Representatives from Giant Eagle acknowledged the milestone, stating they hope to maintain their productive partnership with the state lottery operator moving forward, which also offers popular draw games like Cash4Life lottery tickets.
Pennsylvania Lottery Senior Beneficiary Impact
Pennsylvania Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne congratulated Franczyk on the $1.5 million prize, noting that her success serves as a "wonderful reminder" of the lottery’s capacity to change lives. Browne emphasized that ticket sales across the state directly support various funding programs for older residents.
Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko also extended "heartfelt congratulations" to the 86-year-old winner, highlighting the broader economic impact of the state's instant ticket operations.
"When our players play, they give back to the seniors in their communities because Lottery’s sole mission is to benefit older Pennsylvanians," Svitko said. "We also couldn’t fulfill our mission without our retail partners like Giant Eagle."
