Stratford Man Wins Historic $5M Lottery Prize

STRATFORD, CT — Robert Nickle of Stratford couldn’t help but smile Thursday afternoon as he claimed his Mega Millions $5 million prize, which was the first of its kind in CT Lottery history. “I’m still a bundle of nerves,” Nickle said with a laugh while claiming his prize.

Nickle was coming back from work when he decided to purchase a Mega Millions ticket from his favorite deli. “I go to [Dolly’s Deli] all the time on the way home,” Nickle told Lottery officials.

The Mega Millions winning numbers drawn on March 13 were — 6 – 30 – 58 – 60 – 61 Megaball: 17, Megaplier: 5. Nickle matched five numbers and added the Megaplier which multiplied his Quick Pick ticket prize from $1 million to $5 million for the first-ever CT Lottery $5 million Mega Millions prize ever.

It wasn’t until the next morning that Nickle checked his numbers in his truck. Elated, the lucky winner ran back into the house to have his daughter double check his ticket. Nickle couldn’t help but go back to his favorite deli to deliver the good news.

“They were knocking stuff over as they were coming to congratulate me,” Nickle said.

Nickle plans to purchase a house for his family and looks to enjoy the outdoors with more free time.

“After today, no more work—I’m going fishing!,” he said. “Normally I go fishing near the Long Island Sound, but I might travel out some more now—maybe to Maine!”

Dolly’s Deli LLC, located on 6 Boston Avenue in Stratford, will receive a $2,500 bonus for selling the winning ticket.

Photo and news release via the CT Lottery