Staff Report / June 10, 2026
Groton Couple Wins $9.8 Million New York Lotto Jackpot
GROTON – Tompkins County couple Kim and Gary Van Benschoten of Groton are celebrating a life-changing lottery win after claiming a $9.8 million jackpot from the New York Lottery’s Lotto game. The winning ticket was purchased at a convenience store in Groton for the May 31 drawing. Lottery officials announced that the couple recently came forward to claim the prize, choosing to receive their winnings as a lump-sum payment rather than annual installments.
After required withholdings for federal, state, and local taxes, the winners will receive a substantially reduced amount of the advertised jackpot. New York Lottery officials said the winning ticket matched all six numbers drawn in the May 31 Lotto drawing. The New York Lottery remains North America’s largest and most profitable lottery, contributing billions of dollars annually to support public education programs throughout the state.
