But there's a whole lot of luck when it comes to the lottery in Putnam County, where the sixth person in eight months struck it rich.
Putnam welcomed its sixth new millionaire since August and the second of 2008.
The newest $1 million winner, 50-year-old Richard Salamone of Brewster, won when he hit the jackpot prize playing Silver Spectacular, one of the Lottery's newest scratch off games. He received his prize check Friday morning at the Putnam Diner in Patterson, a location hand-picked by Salamone for sentimental reasons.
"This is my home away from home," Salamone explained. "When you work around the clock like I do, you need a place like this, and the Putnam Diner is that place for me."
Salamone splits his time between multiple jobs; working full-time as a maintenance mechanic for the Westchester County Department of Public Works and lending his skills as a licensed plumber to the drain service business he co-owns with his brother. In his spare time, Salamone also serves as a Roto-Router plumbing contractor.
The self-described "family guy" said he looks forward to spending some much needed down time with his family.
"I am a workaholic," he said. "Winning the Lottery for me is a relief. Maybe now I can pick and choose the jobs I want to do without all the worry about money and bills."
The father of two said this is one instance where working too much proved to be a good thing for him and his family.
"I was headed to a (plumbing) job in Yonkers that weekend and pulled over to get a coffee for my partner," he said. "While I was there, I decided to get a couple of Lottery tickets for myself. I scratched the $1 million ticket right there in the truck, and then we both just sat there to let it sink in."
Salamone bought his winning Silver Spectacular ticket on Saturday, March 22 at the McLean Variety Store on McLean Avenue in Yonkers. He claimed it the following Monday at the Lottery's Customer Service Center in Fishkill.
Mr. Salamone will receive his $1 million prize in 20 annual installments of $50,000, less required tax withholdings. He will receive $34, 075 after taxes. His plans for the money include paying some bills and window shopping for a new Corvette.
Other recent Putnam County winners include:
Two-time Lotto winner Eugene Angelo, Sr. of Mahopac who won a $5 million Lotto jackpot in August of 2007. Angelo bought his winning ticket at the Hygrade Market in Croton Falls.
William J. Albertson of Mahopac who won a $75 million Mega Millions jackpot in November of 2007. Albertson bought his ticket at the Red Mills Market in Mahopac Falls.
James O'Mara of Mahopac who won $1 million on the Be An Instant Millionaire instant game. O'Mara purchased his ticket at the PNK Foods - Valley Market in Jefferson Valley.
Raymond Steadman of Lake Peekskill who won $1 million on the Merry Money instant game. Steadman bought his ticket at the Lakeside Market Deli in Lake Peekskill.
Lotto subscriber Judith Kelly of Mahopac who won her $12 million Lotto jackpot in January of this year. Subscriptions may be purchased online or through the mail.
Since 1967, the New York Lottery has generated more than $31 billion to help support education in New York State, including a record $2.3 billion in fiscal year 2006-2007 on incoming revenue of $7.18 billion. For more information, contact the New York Lottery Communications office at 518-388-3415.
