Two Longtime CT Lottery Players Claim Major PrizesOne Lucky Dog:
A Pomfret resident won the $1 million top prize on a $1,000,000 GOLD scratch ticket after acting on what he called “an instinct.”
The longtime player, who has won three other sizable prizes but never more than $10,000, said he plays when he gets a feeling. Sometimes, he even rubs his tickets on his dog for good luck.
The winner described the dog as a very good pup. Afterward, he says he went for the scratch — on the ticket.
“I was scratching, then I said, ‘Wait a minute … no way,’” he recalled. “I got out of the car and paced around for a bit.”
He plans to build a garage, invest in his 18-month-old daughter’s education, and do some long-term financial planning.
For his ceremonial check, the winner asked CT Lottery staff to write “Ernest,” an old nickname inspired by his resemblance to Jim Varney’s character Ernest P. Worrell. (Know what I mean?)
The winning ticket was purchased at Brooklyn Xtra Mart on Providence Road in Brooklyn. For selling the winning ticket, Brooklyn Xtra Mart will receive a $10,000 bonus.
The prize was the final $1 million top prize in the game. Sales of $1,000,000 GOLD ended July 13, and winning tickets must be redeemed by January 9, 2027.
A High-Rolling Winner:
A Milford player also scored a major win after stopping to play his usual Daily Numbers on Friday, July 10.
He purchased a couple of tickets, including a $30 High Roller Progressive Fast Play ticket that delivered an instant win worth $257,633.
“I scanned the ticket at the store and saw the word ‘Congratulations’ and then all of these numbers,” he said. “I started shaking and called the store clerk over to double-check. She started screaming.”
The longtime player said he has won several times playing other games, but this was his first major prize.
He plans to pay off debts and retire early.
The winning ticket was purchased at Milford Green Food Store on Broad Street in Milford.
Congratulations to the winners!
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Overall odds of $1,000,000 GOLD are 1 in 3.19. Odds of $30 High Roller Progressive Game are 1 in 3.07. Purchasers must be 18 or older. Help is available for problem gambling. Call (888) 789-7777 or visit ccpg.org.
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About the Connecticut Lottery Corporation:
The Connecticut Lottery Corporation (CLC) is a quasi-public state agency that provides fun, secure, and responsible lottery experiences while generating revenue for the State of Connecticut.
In fiscal year 2025, CLC awarded more than $1.3 billion in prizes, paid $81.9 million in commissions and incentives to its network of more than 2,800 retail partners, and contributed approximately $362 million to the state’s General Fund. Through the General Fund, CT lottery dollars support services and programs that benefit Connecticut residents and communities, including education, public health, public safety, and libraries.
Since 1972, CLC has generated more than $12 billion for the State of Connecticut.
Lottery purchases are limited to adults age 18 or older. Players must be at least 21 to place sports wagers. Help is available for problem gambling. Call (888) 789-7777 or visit ccpg.org.
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