Submitted Photo Silver Creek resident Richie Thompson won $3 million on a $3,000,000 in Benjamins scratch-off ticket during a routine stop for gas.

Forty-three-year-old Richie Thompson is much richer after buying a $3,000,000 in Benjamins scratch-off ticket during a routine stop for gas. The Silver Creek resident said the ticket is his favorite and has been playing it since it came out.

“I needed to get some work done on my car and stopped for gas on my way to my friend’s garage,” Thompson said. “While I was there I decided to buy a cup of coffee and my favorite Lottery ticket.”

Thompson purchased one $3,000,0000 in Benjamins ticket, but didn’t realize right away that he had won the jackpot prize.

“I was scratching the last row and the third-to-last number matched. I started to scratch the prize and wasn’t sure what I was seeing. It said ‘jackpot.’ I was in shock for at least an hour!”

Chautauqua County’s newest Lottery millionaire opted to receive his prize as a one-time lump sum payment. He will receive a net check totaling $1,641,264 after required withholdings.

“This is unreal,” said Thompson. “I’ve always played to win and knew I was going to. In my mind, I’ve earned it.”

Thompson’s plans for the winnings include buying a new truck, cars for his children and investing the rest for the future.

He purchased his $3 million-winning ticket at Cave’s Food Center on Main Street in Forestville.

Thompson is the 83rd New York Lottery player to win a prize of $1 million or more this year.

The New York Lottery contributed $32,477,646 in Lottery Aid to Education to school districts in Chautauqua County in 2016-17.