Lucky Norwalk Man Wins CT Lottery Scratch Game

NORWALK, CT — Thomas Maher of Norwalk, a proud employee of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, is one lucky man today, having won a $30,000 prize from the Connecticut Lottery.

Maher, who met his wife, Leze Zadrima, at the MTA where she also works, won the prize while playing "$3,000,000 Royale," a $30 scratch game. The odds of winning a “$3,000,000 Royale” prize are 1 in 3.58.

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Waking his wife from a nap on the first day of the family vacation, Maher told lottery officials, he exclaimed, "'Look I hit it! I guarantee we'll hit the whole card!' My son said 'It’s 30,000!' There was lots of screaming and crying.'"

And what will he spend the winnings on? “Little of everything—the pool will go up, home improvements—but a little spending spree first,” such as some computer equipment for his son who likes to build the machines.

The Mahers left for their vacation shortly after meeting with Lottery officials, but not before dancing and cheering throughout the lobby of the CT Lottery Headquarters.

For selling the winning ticket, Norwalk's In and Out Variety, located at 178 Main St., will receive a $300 check from the CT Lottery.

The CT Lottery reminds the public that purchasers must be 18 or older, and to please play responsibly. For information about the CT Lottery stop by any CT Lottery retailer, visit ctlottery.org, join us on Facebook (facebook.com/CTLottery) and Twitter (twitter.com/ctlottery), download the official CT Lottery Mobile App from the App Store and Google Play, or call (860) 713-2700.

Photo: Thomas Maher, right, and Leze Zadrima. Photo credit: CT Lottery