By: Helen Cherlovsky

In a moment of life-altering fortune that has electrified a local Brooklyn community, an Orthodox Jewish resident has secured one of the New York Lottery’s most coveted prizes, winning the top award in the popular “$10,000 A Week For Life” scratch-off game. As VIN News reported on Wednesday, the winner, identified by lottery officials as Marc Klein, opted for the lump-sum cash payout rather than lifetime installments — a strategic financial decision that immediately places him among the most notable lottery winners in New York this year.

While the ticket guarantees a minimum payout of $10 million, state and federal withholdings dramatically reduced Klein’s take-home amount. According to the figures released by the New York Lottery and cited in the VIN News report, Klein ultimately received $4,372,060, a sum that still represents a remarkable windfall and one that has ignited excitement throughout his close-knit community.

Klein purchased the winning ticket at NO7 Grocery, a modest corner convenience store located on 18th Avenue — an establishment that has become an unexpected hub of celebration since the winner came forward. As the VIN News report noted, the store has seen a surge in foot traffic as neighborhood residents flock to congratulate the owner, purchase their own scratch-off tickets, and delight in the notion that even an unassuming storefront can become the site of extraordinary luck.

Store employees described a jubilant atmosphere, with many customers discussing Klein’s win as though it were a communal stroke of good fortune. In areas such as Borough Park, where the Orthodox Jewish population maintains deep communal bonds, one person’s blessing often resonates throughout the neighborhood.

The “$10,000 A Week For Life” scratch-off has long been among New York’s most in-demand lottery games due to its unusually high top prizes and lifetime payout option. According to the New York Lottery’s public disclosures three top prizes still remain — a detail that has only increased consumer engagement following Klein’s win.

The Lottery’s Game Report, routinely checked by players statewide, serves as a barometer for the odds of securing a major prize. In recent years, digital access to the remaining prize count has significantly influenced player behavior, particularly among dedicated scratch-off enthusiasts who closely track prize availability.

Klein’s decision to take the lump-sum payout aligns with a common strategy among top-prize winners who prefer immediate liquidity over the long-term guaranteed annuity. Financial advisors often note that while the annuity provides stability, lump-sum payments offer investment opportunities that can yield greater long-term gains, depending on how they are managed.

Scratch-off lottery sales in fiscal year 2024–2025 exceeded $4.3 billion, according to state records. These revenues play a significant role in New York’s public education funding ecosystem. Last year alone, the New York Lottery contributed more than $3.6 billion to school districts statewide, including over $1.4 billion allocated specifically to New York City public schools.

Such figures call attention to what state officials frequently emphasize: that New York maintains the most profitable lottery system in North America.