A Connecticut man’s decision to change gas stations because of a trailer size issue turned into a $4 million payday.
At a Glance
- Phil won $4 million on a Connecticut Lottery scratch ticket
- He only stopped at that Gulf station because his trailer wouldn’t fit at his usual spot
- The store that sold the ticket gets a $40,000 bonus
- Why it matters: A split-second route change can upend your finances forever
Phil, who asked lottery officials to use only his first name, was towing a trailer to a job site when he realized the vehicle was “larger-than-expected.” His regular stop couldn’t accommodate the extra length, so he rerouted to the Gulf Convenience Mart on Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike in Cheshire.
Inside the station he bought a single $4,000,000 Fortune scratch-off. Arriving early to work, he had thirty minutes before clock-in time.
“I had a half hour to kill before we clocked in, so I scratched the ticket,” Phil told News Of Los Angeles. “It said $4,000,000 and I started shaking. I scanned the QR code and everything was legit. I just kept shaking…I couldn’t believe it. I was a millionaire.”
Store manager Mini Jacob said the win created buzz among employees and customers.
“I love celebrating their wins and hearing their success stories,” she said. Because the store sold the top-prize ticket, Gulf Mart will receive a $40,000 commission from the Connecticut Lottery.
The $4,000,000 Fortune game lists overall odds of 1 in 2.38 for winning any prize, but the chance of hitting the jackpot is far slimmer.
After confirming the win through the ticket’s QR code, Phil still finished his shift. He told lottery officials he intends to invest the bulk of the money and is researching possible vacation destinations.
Connecticut Lottery did not disclose the exact date of the purchase or when Phil claimed the prize.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network is available at 1-800-522-4700 or through gamtalk.org.
