A breast cancer survivor in Pennsylvania recently won more than $2 million in a historic lottery prize.
On Wednesday, Aug. 13, Nicole Walter received a check for $2,021,096.49, according to a Pennsylvania Lottery press release. This is the largest internet instant prize ever won from the MONOPOLY Progressive Jackpots, an online game people can play on their phones, computers, or tablets.
The 42-year-old grandmother of 10 said she was playing the game with her boyfriend and was shocked when her win appeared on her phone screen.
“I was playing PA Lottery games on my phone, and he was playing on his phone, and he said, ‘Hey, I like the Monopoly one, let’s try it,’” Walter said. “Then my screen went blank and popped up $2 million. I was shocked — I didn’t even say anything at first.”
Walter, who lives in Warren County, has been playing the Pennsylvania Lottery online since 2018. “We enjoy it — and this time, it really paid off,” she said.
She plans to use her winnings to renovate her farmhouse, which she bought from a close friend.
State officials said she was “eager to invest in the home she loves and continue building memories with her family.”
“We are thrilled to award this prize to Nicole Walter. This is a reminder that every day the Pennsylvania Lottery is awarding life-changing prizes to Pennsylvanians throughout the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne.
Browne also noted that Pennsylvania Lottery proceeds support programs that help older Pennsylvanians. “We’re proud that Nicole’s win not only changes her life but also helps fund vital services for our seniors,” he said.
Since the game first launched in May 2018, the MONOPOLY Progressive Jackpots have “generated more than $500 million in profit for programs that benefit older Pennsylvanians,” the press release said.
“Nicole’s incredible story reminds us that life can change in an instant, and we’re honored to be part of such meaningful moments for our players across Warren County and beyond. We’re also proud of the work we do every day that benefits older Pennsylvanians through vital life-sustaining programs,” said Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko.
Walter’s lottery win comes after she recently finished radiation treatment for breast cancer, which she was diagnosed with in 2023. After also surviving a heart attack, officials said she is now “focused on healing and looking toward the future.”
She collected her check at the Lottery Area Office in Erie, Pennsylvania.
