A Pennsylvania woman, cancer survivor and proud grandmother of 10 grandchildren, has just received one of the largest prizes awarded by the state lottery. Nicole Walter, 42, won more than $2 million playing an online Pennsylvania Lottery game, the institution confirmed on Wednesday, August 13. Nicole's story is as inspiring as it is unexpected. Just in 2023, she received a breast cancer diagnosis and underwent radiation treatment. In addition, she also overcame a heart attack. Today, her life has taken a radical turn thanks to a stroke of digital luck.

While playing the MONOPOLY Progressive Jackpots game on her cell phone, part of the Pennsylvania Lottery's online platform, Nicole saw her screen go black for a moment. When it came back on, the life-changing number appeared: more than $2 million.

“I was playing Pennsylvania Lottery games on my phone, and he (her boyfriend) was on his phone too. He said, ‘Hey, I like Monopoly, let’s try that. ’ Then my screen went blank and $2 million appeared. I was in shock. At first, I didn’t even say anything,” Nicole recounted in the official statement.

Walter began playing the lottery online in 2018, and has been doing it recreationally ever since. But this time, luck was completely on his side. Now she plans to use her winnings to renovate a country home she bought from a good friend.

"We like to play, and this time it really paid off," she said.

The check, for exactly $2,021,096.49, was presented at the lottery's regional office in Erie, Pennsylvania. This amount is the largest instant prize awarded so far in the MONOPOLY Progressive Jackpots game, available online for cell phones, computers, or tablets.

The state Lottery did not hide its excitement over Nicole's win.

“We are thrilled to present this award to Nicole Walter. This reminds us that every day the Pennsylvania Lottery awards prizes that change lives,” said Pat Browne, Secretary of the Revenue.

Browne also highlighted the social significance of the program.

“It’s important to remember that Pennsylvania Lottery proceeds support programs that directly benefit older adults. We are proud that Nicole’s win not only transformed her life, but also helped fund vital services for our seniors,” he added.

Since their launch in May 2018, the Lottery’s online games have generated more than $500 million in proceeds for senior support programs in the state.

With a With a new stage ahead, Nicole is now focusing on her recovery, her family, and taking advantage of this opportunity to continue making memories at home. Walter is undoubtedly a winning woman, and not necessarily because of the millions of dollars she just received; the results in her life are a reflection of that.