A construction worker who won $US1 million ($A1.36 million) in a lottery scratch-off game four years ago has defied enormous odds by hitting a $US1 million jackpot again.
But don't call him lucky.
After Bruce Magistro hit the jackpot the first time in 2012, his wife, Yvonne, lost a three-year battle with cancer. Much of the prize money went to pay for her medical bills.
"She passed away two years ago today," Magistro's son, Nick Mayers, said on Wednesday.
He said he was sure the second jackpot was her way of sending help back to the family.
"This is definitely a gift, from her to him," Mayers said.
State lottery officials introduced Magistro at a news conference at the Long Island gas station where he bought the second winning ticket April 11.
Magistro said he plays the lottery every day and plunked down $US20 at Mike's Super Citgo in West Babylon for a set of 10 Win for Life scratch-offs.
"This is impossible," Magistro said he thought as he scratched off a lottery ticket and realised he won $US1 million. "I just couldn't believe I hit it two times."
He now plans to share his winnings with his three children and his fiancee.
Magistro won $US1 million on a different lottery scratch-off game he played at the same gas station in 2012.
The latest win came the first time he had played the Win for Life game, which will pay him $US1,000 each week - with a minimum of $US1 million - for the rest of his life.
Magistro said he plans to use the money to pay his bills and go on a vacation, though he hasn't decided where just yet.
"Hopefully I'll win again," he joked. "Third time's a charm."
