Shirley Resident Wins $3 Million Lottery Prize

Shirley, NY — Kurt Kelleher, a Suffolk County resident, celebrated a life-changing victory on Monday after claiming a $3 million prize from the New York Lottery’s Bonus Bucks scratch-off game. The winning ticket was purchased at King Kullen on 405 William Floyd Parkway in Shirley.

Kelleher, visibly excited, opted to receive his winnings in 20 annual payments of $97,653 each, after the required withholdings, as stated on the New York Lottery website. “This is amazing! I can’t believe it!” said Kelleher while collecting his winnings.

Lottery officials confirmed that two additional $3 million top prizes remain for players in the Bonus Bucks game. The lottery is known for its significant contributions to education funding, with Scratch-Off games generating over $4.34 billion in total sales during the fiscal year 2024–2025.

As a result, Suffolk County schools received more than $314 million in Lottery Aid to Education funds during the same period. Players interested in the current status of the scratch-off tickets can check by downloading the Game Report from the lottery’s website.

For those struggling with gambling addiction, resources are available through New York’s confidential HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or by texting HOPENY to 467369.