One unexpected choice made all the difference for a Connecticut man who just claimed a $4,000,000 grand prize.
In a Connecticut Lottery press release, the winner — who chose to be identified only as Phil — said he was heading to a job site when a “larger-than-expected trailer tow” changed his routine. Needing extra space, he pulled into a different gas station than usual: a Gulf location that could better accommodate his trailer. While there, he bought a ticket for Connecticut Lottery’s $4,000,000 Fortune scratch game.
Lottery officials said Phil arrived at work early and, with time to spare, decided to see whether the ticket was a winner.
“I had a half hour to kill before we clocked in, so I scratched the ticket. It said $4,000,000 and I started shaking,” Phil told lottery officials. “I scanned the QR code and everything was legit. I just kept shaking…I couldn’t believe it. I was a millionaire.”
The Gulf Convenience Mart on Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike in Cheshire — the store where Phil purchased the winning ticket — will also receive a bonus. Lottery officials said the retailer will earn $40,000 for selling the grand-prize ticket.
Store manager Mini Jacob told lottery officials she was excited to hear one of the customers hit the top prize. “I love celebrating their wins and hearing their success stories,” she said.
According to the Connecticut Lottery, the overall odds of winning $4,000,000 Fortune are 1 in 2.38.
After realizing he’d won, Phil still finished his workday as planned. Looking ahead, he told lottery officials he intends to invest his winnings — and he’s also considering taking a vacation.
