Mystery solved: Syracuse lottery winner claims $17M prize

Three months after someone hit the New York LOTTO jackpot, the winner has finally stepped forward.

Larry Hartig of Syracuse claimed the $17 million prize from the July 23 drawing. He matched all six numbers: 06 08 22 29 37 50. The bonus number was 11. Hartig chose the lump sum. After required withholdings, he walked away with $5,770,232.

He bought his winning ticket at Polge Wine & Liquors on 434 West Seneca Turnpike in Syracuse.

Why do winners wait so long to claim their prizes?

The delay isn't unusual. Winners have one year from the draw date to claim their prize. Many take their time to consult financial advisors, set up legal structures, or simply process the life-changing news. This year alone shows the pattern clearly.

Other big LOTTO wins in 2025

James Hawthorne from the Bronx claimed a $3.4 million jackpot in March. His winning ticket matched all six numbers from the November 30, 2024, drawing: 07 22 30 32 40 48. He also chose the lump sum, receiving $1,126,322 after withholdings. He purchased his ticket at Mega News on 253 E 57th in Manhattan.

In February, the TNT Star LLC claimed a $16.3 million jackpot from the October 9, 2024, drawing. The winning numbers were 09 17 18 29 32 40. After withholdings, the LLC received $5,464,477. That ticket came from Flying Phoenix at 790 11th Ave in New York.

Schools win, too

The numbers tell a compelling story.

New York LOTTO generated $53,574,614 in total sales during fiscal year 2024-2025. School districts in Onondaga County alone received $129,763,289 in Lottery Aid to Education funds during the same period.

The New York Lottery remains North America's largest and most profitable lottery. It contributed $3.6 billion to benefit public schools in New York State during fiscal year 2024-2025.

New York LOTTO rules

The game costs $1 for two plays. Choose six numbers from 1 to 59. Match all six numbers drawn to win the jackpot. The bonus number determines the second prize only.

Draws happen twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8:15 p.m. ET, and winners have one year from the draw date to claim their prize. After that, the ticket expires.

Will the next jackpot winner claim their prize quickly or wait months like Hartig? Only time will tell.