A retired government employee from Harlem came forward Wednesday to claim last month’s $343.8 million Powerball jackpot — the largest in New York state history — and he never plans to stop playing.
“I had to play this morning before I came here,” Robert Bailey, 67, told reporters at the Resorts World Casino in Queens Wednesday, holding up his betting slips.
Bailey has “faithfully” played the same numbers since 1993 and dabbles in all the New York State Lottery Games.
And he’s not about to stop now — even with an added $125,396,690 in the bank after taxes.
“Yes, I will continue playing my numbers until this train runs out!” he said.
Like he does regularly, Bailey had to play on Oct. 27 — even though it was raining and he was driving around with his friends.
Bailey asked his pals to stop in front of a deli across the street from his 126th Street apartment and he played 8, 12, 13, 19, 27 and 40.
Hours later, after catching a college football game, Bailey, who has been retired for 10 years, went online to check his numbers around 11:30 p.m. — and his jaw dropped.
“I tried to remain calm and sat down and watch some shows I had on my DVR,” he said.
“I didn’t sleep the rest of the night.”
Bailey, who has kids and isn’t married, didn’t call anyone after realizing he’d won, he said. Later, he contacted a lawyer and financial planner.
“I’m still in somewhat of a shock but I’m happy also again,” he said Wednesday. “I’m totally blessed.”
Bailey’s windfall was a split of a $687.8 million overall jackpot — with the other winner in Iowa.
“It’s a good life changer,” he said, adding he plans to “do the right thing” with the money.
For Bailey, that means taking a trip to Las Vegas or hiding out from the New York winter in the Bahamas. He also plans on buying a piece of land for his mother, he said.