Harlem resident and retried government worker Robert Bailey is America’s newest millionaire.
Bailey, 67, is the second winner of two winners of the recent $700 million Powerball jackpot that was drawn last month. He claimed his $343.8 million share of the prize money on Wednesday at a press conference at Resorts World Casino in Queens. Bailey is taking the lump sum, which amounts to $198 million after taxes.
“It’s a good life changer,” Bailey said. “I plan to do the right thing with the money.”
During Wednesday’s press conference, Bailey explained that he’s been playing the same six lottery numbers of the past 25 years buying the winning lottery ticket at a Harlem deli. Bailey previously won $30,000 playing the Take Five lottery game.
As for his future plans, Bailey said he wants to buy a house for his mother and invest. He also plans to take trips to the Caribbean and Las Vegas and donate money to the community.
“I can’t let money change me,” he said. “I still want to be me.”