N.Y. Lottery: These 5 New Yorkers each won big, opted for lump sum payments; here’s how much they got

When it comes to winning the lottery, it all boils down to three key factors: luck, timing, and choice of gameplay.

Whether it’s a scratch-off ticket or a multi-state draw like Cash4Life, each game offers different odds of winning and payout structures.

Some winners choose to take their prize all at once in a lump sum, while others opt to space it out over time through annual payments. Each option has pros and cons, depending on financial goals, tax considerations, and personal circumstances.

Here’s a look at five recent New York Lottery winners, what they won, and how much they took home in lump sum payments.

Jose Pina

On July 9, Pina of the Bronx secured a second-tier prize in the Cash4Life drawing by matching five numbers, winning $1,000 a week for life. He opted for a one-time l